19. Mr. JOHN RUTHERFORDasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to a Communist organisation entitled the League Against Imperialism; whether he is aware that, having been expelled from Germany on account of subversive activities, the headquarters of the league are now established in London; and whether he is satisfied that its present activities are within the law?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first two parts of this question is in the affirmative. In reply to the last part, the activities of this reorganisation are kept under observation, but, so far as I am aware, there is no evidence that the League since its removal to this country in November, 1933, has committed any breach of our law which could be made the subject of a criminal prosecution.
Mr. RUTHERFORDIs my right hon. Friend aware that the secretary of this organisation has been decorated by His Majesty; and would he recommend that that decoration should be withdrawn?
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the Imperial policy of the Government, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no Members of the Government belong to this organisation?
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the question of the hon. Member for Edmonton (Mr. Rutherford), and state the view of His Majesty's Government on such a question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman showed no inclination to reply.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISMay I ask if it is in order to bring the name of His Majesty into a question of this kind? Is it not outside the Rules of the House?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe right hon. Gentleman, in his reply, said that he had this organisation under review. I would like to know the reason why he has this organisation under review?
§ Sir J. GILMOURUndoubtedly, it is my duty, and particularly the duty of those who work with me, to keep organisations of this kind under review.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI should like to know if the Secretary of State can give the House any information that he has 1236 been able to glean anything of a detrimental character to this country as a result of his investigation into this organisation?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat has all been replied to in the answer given.
§ Mr. MAXTONThe right hon. Gentleman's reply has been anything but clear. May I ask him precisely what he means by keeping a special eye on this kind of organisation? Why does he make distinctions and what are the distinctions that he makes between this and other voluntary political organisations?
§ Mr. GROVESHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the Junior Imperial League?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis organisation has a definite Communist connection. It has come to this country, and I have, as is my duty, to keep my eye on such organisations. I have told the House that my observations have not led to my finding anything irregular, and therefore there is no complaint on the part of anyone.