HC Deb 15 December 1937 vol 330 cc1132-3
14. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take with reference to the expulsion of Reuter's correspondent, Mr. H. D. Harrison, from Yugoslavia on the ground that he transmitted to foreign countries a statement that a Mickey Mouse comic strip in a Belgrade newspaper had been banned because it bore on national politics?

Mr. Eden

I was informed by the Yugoslav Government on 7th December that, in spite of repeated warnings, they had on many occasions had cause to complain of Mr. Harrison's presentation of news to the British public. The Yugoslav Government further stated that they had been obliged on the occasion of Mr. Harrison's last despatch dealing with an act of the censorship to intimate to him that his continued presence in Belgrade would be undesirable. His Majesty's Minister at Belgrade took the matter up with the Yugoslav authorities, but they informed him that they were unable to alter their decision. It will be realised that the grant or withdrawal of permission to reside in any country is entirely a matter for the Government of that country to decide.

Mr. Mander

Is it right that a British subject should be expelled from a country for such a ridiculous reason as this?

Mr. Eden

It is not a question of whether it is right. We always claim for ourselves the right to act as we think fit in relation to foreigners living in this country, and as we attach importance to this privilege, we cannot take action which contradicts it.

Mr. Mander

Will my right hon. Friend consider advising the Prince Regent to try to instil a little sense of humour into the people of his country?

Sir Joseph Nall

Will the right hon. Gentleman also suggest that they should display a comic strip relating to Mickey Mander?

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