HC Deb 18 July 1929 vol 230 cc602-5
18. Mr. HARRIS

asked the Home Secretary what were the terms of the request of M. Trotsky when he asked to be allowed to land in this country; whether it was in order to receive medical treatment; if he was prepared to give an undertaking not to interfere or take any part in politics or engage in any form of propaganda; whether he has received any representations on the subject from the Russian Government; and if he can state what are the terms of the Home Office Regulations that govern the admission of political refugees?

24. Mr. BROCKWAY

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the application of M. Trotsky to visit this country is on medical grounds, he is prepared to reconsider his decision not to accede to the application, provided M. Trotsky gives a definite assurance that he will not engage in any political activities?

30. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Home Secretary whether any correspondence has taken place -between His Majesty's Government and M. Trotsky relative to the latter's application to take asylum in this country; and whether he will lay the papers?

31. Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

asked the Home Secretary on what grounds His Majesty's Government have decided to deny the right of asylum to Lev Trotsky, a political refugee from Soviet Russia?

Mr. CLYNES

With the leave of the House, I shall make a full statement. M. Trotsky based his application on his desire to undergo medical treatment, to follow scientific studies, and to superintend the publication of his life in English. Assurances were offered on his behalf that, if admitted, he would not interfere in the domestic affairs of this country, or take part in any public meetings, or seek to make himself prominent in any way. No communication on the subject of M. Trotsky's application has been received from the Soviet Government. The decision of His Majesty's Government to refuse facilities for his visit was taken after the fullest consideration of all the circumstances. It can be justified without impugning in any way the good faith of those who have offered assurances on M. Trotsky's behalf. In the view of the Government, if M. Trotsky were to come here, persons of mischievous intention would unquestionably seek to exploit his presence for their own ends, and if, in consequence, he became a source of grave embarrassment, the Government could have no certainty of being able to secure his departure. In regard to what is called "the right of asylum," this country has the right to grant asylum to any person whom it thinks fit to admit as a political refugee. On the other hand, no alien has the right to claim admission to this country if it would be contrary to the interests of this country to receive him. There are no special regulations on the subject.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, who purported to answer No. 30, whether he will now answer it, and whether he will lay the whole of this correspondence upon the Table of the House. I want to ask him whether, if he admits that this country is a democratic country, he does not think it fitting that people should have a right to see the correspondence which has been conducted by the Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

On a point of Order. I put a specific question on the Paper asking if any correspondence had passed and if that correspondence can be laid. May I ask that question now?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member may ask that question, but not the last part.

Mr. CLYNES

There has been very little correspondence on the matter. I will consider the point put by the hon. Member.

Commander BELLAIRS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that M. Trotsky also stated that he desired to study Socialism in practice under a Socialist Government?

Mr. CLYNES

If he wants to study Socialism the right of asylum need not be extended.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

When the delicate negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are completed, will it then be possible for the Government to reconsider the exclusion of M. Trotsky?

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman should live notice of that question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I put it this way, whether the refusal of the Government to allow M. Trotsky to come here was due in any way to the negotiations going on with Russia?

Mr. CLYNES

All these cases are subject to the circumstances and the merits of the case. If the circumstances alter, the merits of the case can then be considered.

Sir A. SINCLAIR rose

Mr. SPEAKER

There are 167 questions.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

On a point of Order. I have a question on the Paper with regard to this point. I should like to be allowed to put one question.

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentle man has given a very full answer.

Mr. BROCKWAY

May I give notice that I want to raise the matter on the Adjournment on a convenient day?