HC Deb 11 November 1929 vol 231 cc1507-8
18. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Government has agreed to the request of the Dominion Governments that the guarantees against propaganda should be made applicable to them?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No, Sir. The last reply from the Dominions was only received on 5th November, and I have not yet had an opportunity of taking this question up with the Soviet Government.

Captain CROOKSHANK

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will postpone formal negotiations until he gets an assurance on this point?

Mr. HENDERSON

Oh, no.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Does that mean that Russia will be able to carry on propaganda in the Dominions and not here?

24. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in his forthcoming negotiations with the Soviet Government, he will be acting for any of the Dominion Governments; and, if not, whether he can give the House any information regarding separate Dominion negotiations with Russia?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The question of the procedure to be adopted in any discussion on matters which may arise as between His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions and the Soviet Government is one for determination by His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions. All those Governments have expressed their readiness to enter into reciprocal undertakings with regard to propaganda similar to that of His Majesty's Government in this country, but none of them have expressed any desire that His Majesty's Government in this country should act on their behalf with regard to the negotiations on other matters.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Does that mean that the Dominion Governments do not approve of the policy of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, quite the reverse.