HC Deb 30 June 1930 vol 240 cc1587-9
21. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will direct the attention of those in charge of the machinery set up by the Government to inquire into Soviet propaganda in this country to the public display in London and Liverpool of the film The End of St. Petersburg, by the Russian Communist Pudovkin, in view of the subversive propaganda contained in this film and of the evidence which points to its having been introduced into this country by agents of the Communist International?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The public exhibition of any film depends upon the decision of the competent local authorities, and I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

Sir A. POWNALL

Has the right hon. Gentleman had sent to him particulars in regard to these activities, and, if not, may I have particulars sent to him for his consideration?

Mr. HENDERSON

I am always open to receive anything that will help me to come to a conclusion.

Mr. DAY

Does my right hon. Friend think that the local authorities have sufficient powers?

Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get the results of this inquiry before the end of the Session?

Mr. HENDERSON

I do not know to which inquiry the hon. Gentleman refers. There is nothing about an inquiry here.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The question refers to "machinery set up by the Government to inquire."

Mr. HENDERSON

That is an entirely different question, of which I must have notice.

Mr. W. J. BROWN

In view of the tremendous educational value of the question, can the Foreign Secretary extend facilities to Members of the Opposition so as to help them to understand the revolution?

Mr. SMITHERS

Are we to understand that if, in fact, there was revolutionary propaganda, the Government, as a central Government, have no power to deal with the matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

That would depend upon circumstances.

26. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the fact that the Report of the Sixth Congress of the Communist International, giving particulars of the active part taken by agents of the Third International in fomenting unrest throughout the British Empire, is an official document printed by the State publishing department in Moscow and not merely a press statement, that there can be no doubt as to its authenticity, and that there is no need for its verification by the special machinery set up by the Government to inquire into unofficial reports of propaganda, he will explain for what reason this official documents has not been brought to the attention of the Soviet ambassador, having regard to the express pledge given by him when he assumed office?

Mr. HENDERSON

The report to which the hon. Member refers is, I understand, a collation of the proceedings of the Congress held in the summer of 1928; and in consequence cannot well be regarded as a proper subject for representations under the agreement of December, 1929.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the incidents referred to therein with approval by the present Soviet Government occurred quite recently?

29. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the school of oriental propaganda at Tashkent is still being carried on; and, if not, whether its functions are undertaken by any other institution in that city?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have no definite information on the subject, but I am making inquiries.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this school has been moved to Moscow and is there now?

Mr. HENDERSON

That will probably be answered in the reply to the inquiries that I have made.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman let us know when the information is available?

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