HC Deb 09 November 1932 vol 270 cc325-6
3. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what action he proposes to take in view of the letter from Russia, read in evidence at Bow Street last Friday, originating from the Profintern, a, section of the Third International, and constituting a breach of the protocol of 3rd October, 1929?

Sir J. SIMON

The case to which my hon. Friend refers is still proceeding and I could not at present make any comment upon the evidence.

Mr. SMITHERS

May I ask whether it is not a fact that, although the case is still proceeding, the question is whether this letter is or is not a breach of the Protocol?

Sir J. SIMON

I can only repeat the answer that I have given. I cannot refer to the case or make any comment on the evidence. It is quite conceivable, for example, that by the time the case is over the letter itself may not have gone unchallenged. Therefore, I do not think that in the circumstances I can say anything further.

Mr. SMITHERS

If I put down a question when the case is over, will the right hon. Gentleman give a reply?

Sir J. SIMON

Certainly.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

May I ask whether in case a Conservative Member of Parliament sent a letter to Russia it would be considered a breach of the Protocol?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the trial at which this letter was produced is the greatest travesty of justice in our time?