§ 38. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the issue of the "Daily Worker," dated 14th May, containing a manifesto of the Communist party of Great Britain, headed "Long live Indian Independence," and which refers to the present Government as a hangman's government and demands the withdrawal of all British troops from India; and whether, in view of the effect of these statements if transmitted to India, he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend has seen the issue in question. He is not at present in a position to say what action, if any, may be called for.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this question arises out of a similar question which was put at least 10 days ago to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and that on that occasion the Under-Secretary stated, in effect, that the matter was under the consideration of the Government; and does his right hon. Friend not think that it is high time the House was taken into his confidence as to what the Government intend to do in this matter?
§ Mr. SHORTI have no doubt that my right hon. Friend will do that as soon as he has reached a conclusion.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that 563 the situation in India is going from bad to worse, and that it is up to the Government here to put a stop to this propaganda?
§ Mr. WELLSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the "Star," a Hindu paper at Allahabad, has already called attention to the fact that no action has been taken by the Government?
§ Mr. STEPHENAm I to understand that a newspaper in this country is not to be allowed to publish a statement of an organisation demanding India's independence?