HC Deb 02 February 1938 vol 331 cc210-2
7. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reply to his representations made to the Italian Government, through the Italian Ambassador, in respect of anti-British propaganda carried on from Italian sources?

Mr. Eden

The situation remains as described in the reply to the hon. Member on 20th December.

Mr. Henderson

Does the Foreign Secretary intend to wait indefinitely until the Italian Government think fit to reply to the representations?

Mr. Eden

It is not a question of waiting indefinitely. The hon. Member will recall that what I said on 20th December was: In view of certain reports which had been received of Italian propaganda in the Near and Middle East, I recently informed the Italian Ambassador that His Majesty's Government were well aware of this propaganda and added that unless it could be brought to an end, it would be impossible to create the atmosphere necessary to the prosecution of successful conversations designed to improve our mutual relations."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th December, 1937; col. 1586, Vol. 330.] That is still the position.

Mr. Henderson

May I ask whether, these representations having been made and no answer having been received, the propaganda is still being carried on?

Mr. Eden

The position remains exactly as stated there.

Mr. Henderson

The propaganda is still being carried on?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir.

11. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to foreign anti-British broadcasting and the steps taken by the Government to broadcast the truth?

Mr. Eden

As regards the first part of the question, it is well known that certain Governments regard wireless broadcasting as an instrument of propaganda and control the material broadcast. Inevitably, in so far as the general standpoint of such Governments or their policy in regard to a particular matter may be opposed to the standpoint or policy adopted by this country, the material broadcast from such countries could be described as anti-British. As regards the second part of the question, the House will be aware that broadcasting in this country is in the hands of the British Broadcasting Corporation set up by Royal Charter. I understand that the news bulletins broadcast by the Corporation are compiled from the reports of the British telegraph agencies, and in addition the facilities existing in Government Departments for consultation by the Press are available to the Corporation. The House will also be aware of the decision recently taken by the British Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast in certain foreign languages.

Mr. Mander

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this new service, obviously set up at the will of the British Government, is being effective in getting the truth right into the ears of the people in the Middle East?

Mr. Eden

I think the hon. Member can be assured that we are aware of the importance of putting the British point of view to the world, and steps are being taken in that direction.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider laying a White Paper containing examples of the kind of propaganda put out by other Governments, so that the public may judge for itself on authoritative information?

Mr. Eden

I am quite prepared to consider that suggestion.

Mr. Lawson

Are the Government themselves considering this question as a matter with which it will be necessary to deal over and above what the British Broadcasting Corporation does? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Broadcasting Corporation can give only a fraction of the time that foreign Governments give to propaganda?

Mr. Gallacher

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is such fierce indignation against Soviet propaganda directed against capitalism and such a placid attitude with regard to anti-British propaganda?

8. Mr. Mander

(for Mr. R. Acland) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the broadcasting of propaganda from Italian broadcasting stations has ceased or abated in the last six weeks; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government has in the last six weeks taken any action or now proposes any action to bring it to an end?

Mr. Eden

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the full statement made by my Noble Friend the Under-Secretary on the Adjournment on 23rd December.