HC Deb 15 February 1937 vol 320 cc823-5
9. Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Third International is still actively engaged in fomenting revolu- tion and disorder in Great Britain; and, in view of the fact that most of the moneys accruing to this body are supplied by the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, will he invite the attention of the latter to the fact that this is not in accordance with the pledge given to abstain from propaganda in this country?

Viscount Cranborne

I am aware that the Third International, through the Communist party of Great Britain, carries on propagandist activities in this country. This matter has already on several occasions been brought to the notice of the Soviet Government, who invariably repudiate responsibility for the actions of the Comintern. His Majesty's Government have, for their part, made it clear that they cannot accept this contention, and will continue to make strong representations to the Soviet Government regarding any appropriate cases which may be brought to their notice.

Sir W. Davison

What is the good of such representations if at the same time the Government lend the Soviet Government large sums of money?

Mr. T. Williams

Is the Noble Lord not aware that the Communist party in this country are the mildest-mannered Socialists there are?

10. Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Third International is actively engaged in fomenting world revolution; and, in view of the fact that most of the moneys accruing to this body are provided by the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, will he give this matter due prominence at Geneva, with a view to organising the combined pressure of the nations against this attack on League policy and ideals?

Viscount Cranborne

I am aware of the aims and activities of the Third International. For the reasons, however, given in reply to the immediately preceding question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend, and to the question asked on 8th February by my hon. Friend the Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Loftus), His Majesty's Government do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by expressly raising the question of the activities of the Third International, at Geneva.

Captain Ramsay

While thanking my noble Friend for his reply, may I ask him whether it is not the fact that the present authorities in Soviet Russia are not the sort of people who would be likely to take notice of anything except threatened action?

Mr. Gallecher

Is the Minister not aware that it is a libel upon a friendly Government to suggest that it is supplying finances to the Communist International; and is he not further aware that, if some sort of wall were built that would give no contact of any kind between Russia and this country, I would still continue my revolutionary activities?

Mr. Alexander

Will the Under-Secretary, in view of the previous statement of the Home Secretary, give the House the information at his disposal about the subversive propaganda in this country financed by Fascist dictators?

Mr. Speaker

That is another question.

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