§ 46. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the poster which is being displayed publicly bearing the words You shall decide Peace or War, and a leaflet headed Peace or War—A National Declaration on the League of Nations and Armaments, which incorporates a ballot form setting forth five questions to which all men and women over the age of 18 in every household are requested to answer Yes or No and to attach their signatures, is causing apprehension among great numbers of people in this country, and that, due to the wording, A National Declaration, it is assumed by the great majority of uninformed persons that the poster and leaflet are 382 sponsored by the Government and that it is therefore their duty to vote on the questionnaire; and whether he will issue an official statement, and give the widest publicity to it, to the effect that the Government disclaims any authorship of or any responsibility for these publications?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government has no responsibility whatever for the publications to which my hon. Friend refers, and I hope that this statement will be sufficient to remove any misunderstanding which may exist.
§ Sir F. SANDERSONAs it is calculated to create a war atmosphere rather than to appease it, is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to take steps which will prevent a continuance of it?
§ Mr. MANDERIs it a fact that the national ballot is being warmly supported by several Members of the Government?
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman having filed away the records of the five questions and the extraordinary way in which the people are voting?