HC Deb 16 September 1931 vol 256 cc815-6
8. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the discoveries in Shanghai of a centre of Far East Communist organisation; and whether he can make any statement as to the attempts to carry on this propaganda in British territory in the Far East, which constitute a breach of the undertaking to refrain from propaganda?

Captain EDEN

My attention has been drawn to this case, which is at present forming the subject of judicial proceedings by the Chinese courts in Shanghai. Pending the conclusion of the trial, I regret that it is impossible to say with any precision how far British interests are affected.

Mr. SMITHERS

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to insist that the undertaking with regard to propaganda shall be complied with, and whenever that undertaking is broken, will they make the most urgent protests against it?

Captain EDEN

That question has not yet arisen here.

Mr. McSHANE

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that groups of Communists were found studying the propaganda issued by the hon. Member?