§ 11. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any recent report from His Majesty's representative in Moscow as to religious persecution in Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. DALTONMy right hon. Friend has received from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow several reports dealing with various aspects of the religious situation in the Soviet Union subsequent to the general report of February last.
§ Sir K. WOODDo any of these reports support the widely prevalent opinion that persecution has been increased during the last two months?
§ Mr. DALTONI think that my right hon. Friend has made himself very clear on more than one occasion that we cannot, in answer to questions in this House, disclose particulars of reports received from our representatives abroad, and that to do so would make it quite impossible to continue diplomatic relationships.
§ Sir K. WOODAm I to understand that conditions are such in our relations with Soviet Russia that it is impossible for any information to be given to this House on this question?
§ Mr. DALTONNo.
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLAre we to understand that the facts are so damning that the present Government will not have them circulated?