§ 78. Sir C. CAYZERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, during his recent conversations with the Soviet authorities in Moscow, the Lord Privy Seal made any representations to them with regard to the subversive activities of the Comintern in this country; whether his attention has been called to the manifesto launched last Saturday by the Comintern setting forth a new programme for a Soviet Government in England; and what action he proposes to take in this matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned on 17th April last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick-on-Tweed (Lieut.-Colonel Todd). As regards the second part of the question, I presume the reference is to the document summarised in the Press on 30th April. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will await a report on that document from His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow before deciding whether it calls for any action by His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir C. CAYZERWill the hon. and gallant Member point out to the Soviet authorities that these new activities are hardly compatible with the spirit of the communiqué which was issued after the recent conversations in Moscow, by which both Governments undertook to respect the integrity and prosperity of the other, recognising that prosperity was for the benefit of both?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI think it would be wise to await the Ambassador's report.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWill he inquire whether this manifesto was passed in the first instance this year at the annual conference of the British Communist party, translated into Russian in Russia, and then translated back again into English; that is the manifesto now under discussion?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe hon. Member knows more about the British Communist party than I do.