HC Deb 01 March 1937 vol 321 cc3-5
7. Mr. Marcus Samuel

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Russian wireless station known as Radio Moscow is broadcasting messages in English and expressed as being for English listeners, inviting them to send questions upon political matters to which a reply is promised, and asking that such listeners should communicate with Radio Moscow any criticisms they may have of the programmes; and, in view of the fact that when these broadcasts in English were first instituted it was stated that their purpose was solely to instruct Russians in the use of the English language, whether any assurance to this effect was given to His Majesty's Government; and if so, whether he will take up this matter with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

Mr. Eden

As regards the character of the messages broadcast in English from Radio Moscow, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned on 9th November last to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston. According to my information, the Moscow station extends a general invitation to listeners to communicate to the office of the station any criticisms or observations they may have to make on any item in the programmes. These programmes, however, are not specifically political in character. As regards the second part of the question, I am not aware that, when these broadcasts were instituted, it was definitely stated that their purpose was solely to instruct Soviet citizens in the English language. No assurance to that effect has been given by the Soviet Government. As regards the last part of the question, if my hon. Friend can furnish me with evidence showing that any particular broadcast contained a direct attack on the Government or institutions of this country, I will certainly undertake to consider the question of representations.

Mr. Thurtle

Is it not open to the hon. Member himself to send his criticisms to Moscow if he wishes to do so?

Sir William Davison

Is it not the fact that there is an expressed international agreement against political messages being sent in international broadcasts?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, but I must have the evidence before I can take action. I am bound to say that the continuance of the broadcasts in their present form do not seem to me to form a suitable subject for complaint.

Mr. Thorne

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether our broadcasts satisfy the people in other parts of the world?