§ 16. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on how many occasions since the exchange of ambassadors has he made or received a 8 complaint with regard to the observation of Article 16 of the treaty of 8th August, 1924, between Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and the nature of those complaints?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Arther Henderson)The only case, as I understand the hon. Member's question, is that which I reported to the House on the 22nd January, the nature of which was clearly stated by me on that occasion.
§ Mr. SMITHERSMay we take it that the only cause of protest has come from His Majesty's Government, and that there has been no cause of protest from the Soviet Government?
§ Mr. HENDERSONNo; no case has been laid by the Soviet Government.
§ 28. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the activities of the Third International in Great Britain and the British Empire have ceased since the resumption of diplomatic relations between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in December last?
§ Mr. HENDERSONI would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made to the House on Monday last. I do not think that I can, at this stage, usefully add anything as regards the particular point raised in the question.
§ Sir W. DAVISONSurely the right hon. Gentleman has information as to the activities of the Third International. Has he made representations on the point, and will he say what those representations are?
§ Mr. HENDERSONI cannot usefully add anything to my answer.
§ Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEIs it not a fact that most of this propaganda is directed by the Tory party?
§ 29. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the existence of the largest of the training universities in Soviet Russia for the training of natives of Eastern races, known officially as the Communist University for Eastern Toilers; and whether he will make inquiries as to the number of British subjects there, in view of the fact that they 9 are being trained in propaganda for the revolutionary overthrow of the existing British Government?
§ Mr. HENDERSONI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I returned to his question on this subject on 3rd February. The hon. and gallant Member has not yet furnished me with the data to which I then alluded.
Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the number of British Indian subjects at these universities, and is he aware that many of them are people who have been wanted by the police in India for many years?
§ Mr. HENDERSONI do not know of whom I am to make inquiries. I do not think it is my business to make inquiries on this point of any country with whom we are in friendly relations.
Earl WINTERTONIf I personally and privately supply the right hon. Gentleman with certain names, will he allow me to put down a question?
§ Mr. HENDERSONCertainly. That is what I asked him for last week.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs it not the duty of His Majesty's Government to protect the country and the Empire from outside influences?