HC Deb 04 August 1939 vol 350 cc2807-8
2. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether the following German subjects. Dr. Marietta Goetze, Herr Heinz Mitschke, Dr. Wichert, Herr Bumbee, Dr. Gunther Gurcke, Herr Klaus Bumke, Herr Eberhard Heerde, Herr Karl Lin-hard, Fraulein Sonnenfeld, Herr Hildebrandt, Herr Huschelrath, and Herr Heinz Schloer, are still in this country; and for what purposes they were granted admission?

Mr. Peake

Of the persons mentioned, four have left this country, and three cannot be identified from the particulars given. Of the remaining five, four are working as assistant teachers under Ministry of Labour permits and one is a student teacher.

Mr. Mander

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that all these persons have recently delivered lectures before the German propaganda agency organisation in this country known as the "Link," which is partly financed by the German Government, and will he make careful inquiries into the activities of these persons and decide whether they ought to be allowed to remain in this country any longer?

Mr. Peake

The information before my right hon. Friend is that most of the persons mentioned have given talks on various subjects at such meetings. On the general question, my right hon. Friend did give the hon. Member an answer yesterday on the activities of this organisation, and, of course, the question whether these particular individuals are abusing the hospitality of this country depends upon the nature of the talks which they have given.

Mr. Ellis Smith

With whom are they friendly?

Mr. Mander

May I have an assurance that their activities are being carefully watched?

Mr. Peake

That assurance has been given to the hon. Member several times before, and he can rest assured that the organisation is under very close watch all the time.

Mr. Gallacher

Has the hon. Gentleman been to see the film "Confessions of a Nazi Spy"?