§ 5. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether a reply has been received from the German Government on the subject of anti-British propaganda; and, if not, whether it is proposed to press for a reply?
§ Mr. ButlerAs the Prime Minister informed the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 21st November, the German Government will be well aware of the unfortunate effect of such articles on Anglo-German relations, and my noble Friend does not consider it necessary to draw their attention to this fact. The question of a reply does not, therefore, arise.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHas the attention of the hon. Gentleman been called to the recent outbreak of wholly mendacious German propaganda in relation to the operations in Palestine; and 383 will he consider advising his Noble Friend to draw the attention of the German Government to that, since propaganda is likely to exacerbate the situation in Palestine and lead to further bloodshed there?
§ Mr. ButlerA recent statement on this particular subject was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I do not doubt that it has come to the attention of the German authorities.
§ Mr. DaltonWould it not be better to make sure by instructing His Majesty's Ambassador to tell them?
§ Mr. ButlerI am satisfied that we can leave the position as it is.
§ Mr. ManderAre you afraid to tell them?
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherWould the hon. Gentleman consider offering facilities to German military officers to investigate the conditions in Palestine and satisfy themselves of the untruth of these German statements?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is a wider question of which I should require notice.