HC Deb 12 March 1930 vol 236 cc1294-6
5. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent declaration of the Soviet official Press that the Communist programme for England is not completed and that it is intended on 30th March to begin a hunger march on London on an all-England scale; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

11. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publication in "Izvestia," the official organ of the Soviet Government, of statements that in London recently thousands fought with the police, who charged with naked sabres and retired from the fight; that the programme for England is not completed and that further disorders are now to be organised; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

My attention has been called to the article in question, but I do not consider that Press statements of this nature, however untrue and offensive, necessarily call for an official denial or other action by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is not a party question at all? It is an attack by the Soviet official Press on the Labour Government of which the right hon. Gentleman is a Member?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have not treated the matter as a party question, but I do not see that the points raised by the question call for action.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is it not an obvious breach of the Protocol signed the other day by the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. HENDERSON

I am not prepared to say that it is.

Mr. THURTLE

How can Conservative Members complain legitimately against Soviet intervention in the internal affairs of this country when they are asking us to take the same action?

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman cannot be responsible for Members of the Conservative party.

Sir K. WOOD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a much more serious matter than other matters which have been brought to his attention? It is not only a direct infringement of the Protocol, but a threat of future action as well.

Mr. HENDERSON

I have already answered the points that have been put in this supplementary question.

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman still refer to the Russian Government as his Russian friends?

Mr. R. W. SMITH

Has any other Department of the Government received representation from the Soviet Government?

Mr. HENDERSON

That I cannot say.

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