HC Deb 27 January 1930 vol 234 cc586-7
11. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communication has been addressed to him on behalf of any religious body in Great Britain as to the protection of British ministers of religion in Russia; and, if so, in what terms he has replied.

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Yes, Sir. I have received one such communication in very general terms, but not being aware of any cases in which British subjects are now employed in religious ministry in the Soviet Union, I asked for further particulars at the end of last month. These have not yet been received. I may add that, at the request of the British Embassy, permission has been granted by the Soviet authorities to a British chaplain to enter the country to provide religious ministration to British citizens in Moscow and Petrograd.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that any British minister of religion in Russia must be in danger—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"]—and will he take special steps to protect such ministers, or, at any rate, to inform them that they go there at their own risk?

Mr. HENDERSON

In my reply to the hon. Member, I have said that I am not aware that any are there.

Mr. BECKETT

Will my right hon. Friend take steps with a view to preventing religious propaganda of this sort in other countries?