HC Deb 23 June 1930 vol 240 cc769-70
9. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has now received further information from the Government of India in regard to the Communist propaganda in the North-West Frontier Province which was mentioned in an official communiqué in May?

Mr. BENN

Yes, Sir. The further information which I have received confirms the statements that I have previously made, namely, that though some of the agitation and disturbances in the North-West Frontier Province had certain of the characteristics of Communist organisation there is no evidence that they were directly due to the efforts of Communist agents or agencies from outside India. The Red Shirts' organisation which is affiliated to Abdul Ghaffar Khan's Youth League, is reported to be of indigenous growth and its objects, though largely political, are also partly social and religious. Its use of red uniforms and Communist emblems is probably imitative rather than directly inspired, and I have no proof of any financial support for the organisation coming from Russia.

13. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps have been taken to stop the distribution of revolutionary literature among the tribes on the Indian border; from what source does it come; and whether he is aware that pamphlets inciting Indians against British rule with the crest of the hammer and sickle on them have been recently found at Peshawar, Rawal Pindi and other military centres in the north of India?

Mr. BENN

Such literature has been distributed, and appropriate action has been taken by ordinance and otherwise to deal with the matter.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps have been taken to find out from what source this literature has come?

Mr. BENN

All the information on this topic has been given to the House of Commons, as it has been received, in answer to questions.