HC Deb 11 May 1933 vol 277 cc1679-82
10. Mr. COCKS

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the arrival in this country of two prominent members of the German Nazi movement, Herr Rosenberg and Herr Thost; whether he has any information as to the length of time these individuals will remain in this country; and whether they have given any undertaking to refrain from propaganda during their stay?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I understand that Herr Rosenberg proposes to stay in this country for a few days only. Herr Thost, who is a foreign newspaper correspondent, has been residing in this country since October, 1930. They have not been asked to give an undertaking in the sense referred to.

Mr. COCKS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to Herr Rosenberg's lack of tact, there has already been an unfortunate incident at the Cenotaph, and, before any further incident occurs, will he please inform this gentleman that we prefer his room to his company?

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Why should there be a difference in treatment between these propagandists and Communist propagandists?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I do not think there is any difference in treatment. Of course, if people do things which are contrary to the regulations and rules they will be dealt with.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not the case, when Russians are coming into this country for a short stay, that they are called upon not to indulge in propaganda, and, if that is so, why is not the same treatment meted out to this gentleman?

Sir J. GILMOUR

There is no difference in the undertaking anybody is asked to give who is coming into this country.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is it not a fact that a known Russian or German Communist coming into this country has to enter into an obligation not to indulge in propaganda, and very often, even if he is willing to give that undertaking, he is not permitted to come in? The point we are putting to the right hon. Gentleman is why should a Fascist agitator, a propa- gandist, and a prominent one, be allowed the free run of London, when he will not allow a Communist in?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Each case is considered on its merits.

Mr. LANSBURY

We want the Home Secretary to tell us what are the merits which enable this man to be in this country as a propagandist for Hitlerism. We want to know?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

What is wrong with the Home Office that they allow this sort of thing? This is not the first time. They stop the propaganda for the boycott, and now they allow this man to come here.

Mr. MAXTON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman a specific question? Why he refused a request from me a fortnight ago to permit Mr. Leon Trotsky to come to this country, a much more distinguished figure in world politics, and now allows this man to come in?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As I say, each one of these cases is considered on its merits—

Mr. LANSBURY

What are the merits?

Mr. THORNE

Give him his marching orders.

Sir J. GILMOUR

—and if anybody does anything which is contrary to the interests of this country I will give orders.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is Fascism considered of interest to this country?

Mr. SPEAKER

rose

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we not entitled—

Mr. SPEAKER

Colonel Wedgwood.

58. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement regarding the conversations between his Department and Herr Rosenberg?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne).

Mr. THORNE

Did the hon. and gallant Gentleman hear the reply of the Home Secretary on this question, and will he advise the Government to give this man his marching orders at once?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I cannot add anything to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave.