HC Deb 17 February 1930 vol 235 cc898-9
15. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communication has been received through the British Legation to the Holy See from the Pope in regard to the recent persecution of Christians in Russia; and what reply has been made by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is it to be assumed that the public appeal made by the Pope was not communicated to the British Legation?

22. Viscount ELMLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a Report from the British Ambassador at Moscow on the religious situation in Russia?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have as yet received only a preliminary despatch from His Majesty's Ambassador who, however, is furnishing me with a Report in the near future.

Sir K. WOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to communicate to the House a summary of this despatch and exactly what the British representative has said?

Mr. HENDERSON

To begin with, I could not lay before the House a summary, because I have been reminded already that I must lay these things before the House in full; and it must be perfectly obvious that I cannot commit myself to any course until I have received the Report.

Viscount ELMLEY

When will the Report be published?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have just given the answer.

Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the Report?

Mr. THURTLE

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the lie direct which has been given by Russia to the statement made against her?

Mr. HAYCOCK

If this statement turn out to be a lie, will there be any protection in the future against this kind of lying propaganda?

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