§ 11. Captain Ramsayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the terms of the latest assurance given to His Majesty's Government by the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics undertaking to refrain from carrying on revolutionary and subversive propaganda in this country and, in particular, the terms of the undertaking that the Comintern should observe the same pact?
§ Viscount CranborneThe Soviet Government's most recent assurance to His Majesty's Government regarding subversive propaganda is contained in the notes exchanged between the two Governments on 20th and 21st December, 1929. With regard to the second part of the question, the Soviet Government, as my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, have invariably denied that this undertaking covers the activities of the Communist International, for which they repudiate all responsibility. His Majesty's Government, for their part, have made it clear that they cannot accept this contention.
§ Captain RamsayWill my Noble Friend consult with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary with a view to ascertaining how this pact has been kept?
§ Viscount CranborneI can assure my hon. Friend that this matter has been under constant examination.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWill the Noble Lord also apply the same principle to the activities of certain lords in this country?
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that I am a member of the Communist International, and does he consider that it is desirable that he should take any steps to suppress my subversive activities in view of the fact that the Chancellor very generously provides me with the necessary cash for carrying on those activities?