§ 16. Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent Communication from the British Ambassador as to whether the decree of the Soviet Government of 8th April, 1929, in relation to religious associations, still remains in fore?
Mr. A. HENDERSONNothing has been received from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow to show that the decree is not in force. As I informed the hon. Member for Gravesend (Mr. Albery) on the 17th March, the decree, so far as I am aware, is still in force.
§ Sir K. WOODHaving regard to the fact that this decree is still in operation, and to the statements recently made by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other eminent people, does the right hon. Gentleman still maintain that there is no persecution of religion in Russia?
§ Sir K. WOODDid not the right hon. Gentleman say to me that he preferred to call it pressure, and not persecution?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the letter in the "Daily Herald" by G. B. Essipof[...]?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Smithers.
§ 20. Captain MARGESSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglican Church in Moscow is now available if wanted for religious worship?
Mr. HENDERSONI am making further inquiries upon the point which the hon. and gallant Member has raised.