HC Deb 19 April 1939 vol 346 cc356-7
29. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the official support given by the German Government to such pro-Nazi organisations as the Anglo-German fellowship, the Anglo-German kamerad-schatt, the Anglo-German circle, the Anglo-German academic bureau, and the subsidised Anglo-German review; and whether he will appoint a committee of inquiry to investigate their activities in view of the present international tension?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

While there is no desire to interfere with an organisation if its genuine object is to promote better understanding between British subjects and the German people, I am fully aware that in present circumstances there is a risk that organisations formed ostensibly for this object may be used for other purposes. For this reason careful attention is being given to the activities of such organisations, but I do not think that the appointment of a committee of inquiry would be appropriate or would add to the information in my possession.

Mr. Mander

Would it not be true to say that the main object of all these societies is pro-Nazi propaganda and anti-Semitism?

Sir S. Hoare

I should not like to give so general an answer to this question. I think a distinction should be drawn between some of these associations and others of them.

Sir Assheton Pownall

Is it not the case that no official support of any kind is given by the German Government to the Anglo-German Fellowship, whose executive includes several Members of this House, and exists only to promote good relations between us and Germany; and may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not most unfortunate that suggestions of this kind should be made by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander)?

Sir S. Hoare

I have just said that a distinction should be drawn between these organisations, and, as far as my information goes, it conforms with the information which has just been given to the House by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Mander

Is the Home Secretary aware that before putting this question down I was satisfied with all the statements made in it with regard to the support given by Germany to all these organisations?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to substantiate his statement? There is no truth in it whatever.