HC Deb 11 May 1932 vol 265 c1882
1. Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to an article appearing in International Press Correspondence, of 10th March, 1932, the organ of the Communist International, advocating armed insurrection in India; and what action he proposes to take in view of this violation of the Russian trade agreement?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)

The article has been considered by His Majesty's Government in connection with the undertaking relative to propaganda given by the Soviet Government in December, 1929. His Majesty's Government are of opinion that the Soviet Government and the Communist International cannot be dissociated in these matters. I propose to take an early opportunity of speaking to the Soviet representative on the subject.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that propaganda on the part of the Third International against Great Britain is a matter of daily occurrence in India and elsewhere, and will he see that this matter is dealt with more promptly than was the case when his predecessor was in charge of the Foreign Office?

Sir J. SIMON

My original answer deals sufficiently with, both the original and the supplementary questions.

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

Have not representations been made fifty times with no effect, and what further action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not correct that representations have been made 51 times?

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