HC Deb 07 May 1930 vol 238 cc939-40
14. Sir A. POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a manifesto by the executive committee of the Communist International, published in a London daily paper on the 1st May; and whether, in view of the revolutionary appeal contained therein, and in view of the undertaking by the Soviet Government not to engage either directly or indirectly in subversive propaganda in this country, he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. DALTON

My right hon. Friend has seen the manifesto in question, and has also observed that there was a total lack of response to it. He proposes, therefore, to treat it with the same contempt as that with which he has hitherto regarded similar futile manifestoes emanating from the same source. The House may rest assured that the reply given on 10th March, outlining the attitude of His Majesty's Government in regard to such matters, still holds good.

Sir A. POWNALL

Is the hon. Member aware that this paper describes itself as the organ of the British section of the Communist International, and that it Contains daily incitements to revolution?

Earl WINTERTON

Can the hon. Member say whether the reference he has made to the incitements which appeared in the paper on the day in question also applies to the incitements of a most gross character to persons in India to revolt against the British Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter beyond the question on the Paper.

Earl WINTERTON

On a point of Order. On the day in question appeared the incitement to which I have referred, and I submit that the question on the Order Paper, asking whether attention has been called to a manifesto issued by the Executive Committee of the Communist International, and published in a London daily paper on 1st May, entitles me to ask that question?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the supplementary question goes beyond the question on the Order Paper.

Earl WINTERTON

May I point out that the reference in the question is as follows: by the Executive Committee of the Communist International published in a London daily paper on the 1st May. I hold the paper in my hand, and these are the words, "Long live the Indian revolution!" I submit that I am entitled to ask my question, as this is a matter of the greatest importance.

Mr. R. S. YOUNG

Can the hon. Member tell us the daily circulation of this Communist paper?

Earl WINTERTON

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this as a matter of Privilege at the end of Questions.