HC Deb 27 January 1930 vol 234 cc587-90
17. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a recent article in the "Pravda," the official organ of the Soviet Government, stating that the British Government are keeping Indian workers rotting in Meerut Prison, and are openly shooting down unarmed negro workers in Nigeria; and whether, in view of the undertaking signed by the Soviet Ambassador on 20th November last, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

I have seen the article in question, but I do not consider that it calls for any action on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Sir K. WOOD

Is not this particular statement, quoted in the question, one of a similar number issued by this agent of the Soviet Government, since the undertaking was given on the 20th November last? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that that is a direct infringement of the undertaking, and does he not think that he ought to take immediate action in the matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

The Government of the day, who carry the responsibility, must have some say as to the moment when any action is to be taken, if they consider that a violation has taken place?

Sir K. WOOD

Are they not under an obligation to this House?

Mr. BECKETT

Is it not a fact that British newspapers contain far worse articles than this article?

20. Captain EDEN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affair; whether he has yet received any reply from the Soviet Government to his recent representations as to propaganda by the Third International?

21. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has been given by the Soviet ambassador to the protest against the message despatched from the Third International to the "Daily Worker"?

23. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any reply from the Soviet Government in answer to his communication with the Soviet ambassador in connection with the letter which appeared in a daily paper on the 1st January containing a message from the Third International; and if he will publish such reply?

Mr. HENDERSON

My communication to the Soviet Ambassador was a statement of the views of His Majesty's Government. I did not ask His Excellency for any reply.

Captain EDEN

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any comments on it?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have nothing to add to what I have told the House.

Mr. HAYCOCK

Has the Soviet Government protested against the propaganda habits of the British newspapers?

22. Mr. C. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received official information as to whether the Soviet Government of Russia is yet making any effort to suppress their anti-British campaign in Asia; and, if so, in what particular countries?

Mr. HENDERSON

As I have already stated, it is still too early to form any definite conclusion as to the effect of the recent agreement about propaganda.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Has the right hon. Gentleman no information to show what they are doing or trying to do to stop this propaganda?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have nothing to add to what I have said.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Then the right hon. Gentleman has no information or knows nothing and is doing nothing.

24. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Russian. Ambassador with regard to the activities of the Third International in promoting unrest in India, as proved in several recent cases before the Indian Court?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have made no representations to the Soviet Ambassador other than those which I described to the House on Wedneslay last. The cases in the Indian Courts, referred to by the hon. Member, relate to incidents which occurred before the pledges exchanged on the 20th of December last, and, as regards the proceedings at Meerut, I would remind him that that case is still sub judice.

Mr. BECKETT

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any communications from the Russian Government with regard to the propaganda done by Members of this House to create trouble in Georgia?

Commander BELLAIRS

Has the right hon. Gentleman made representations concerning the training of Indian students and others in revolutionary propaganda in Soviet training colleges, which is going on at this moment?

Mr. HENDERSON

My answer is that that does not arise out of the question upon the Order Paper.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is exactly what I was going to say.