HC Deb 03 April 1940 vol 359 cc151-2
22. Mr. Marcus Samuel

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention has been drawn to broadcasts emanating from what describes itself as the new British broadcasting station, purporting to operate from Great Britain and concluding all its programmes with the playing of the British National Anthem; and as that station is, in fact, part of the German propaganda machine and situated in German territory, and propaganda of this character is likely, because of its purported British origin, to create confusion in this country which it is desirable to avoid by answering or otherwise dealing with this new Nazi device, what steps it is proposed to take for this purpose?

The Minister of Information (Sir John Reith)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) on 20th March. This station is monitored and its propaganda, with that of other German broadcasts, is dealt with.

Mr. Samuel

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that this station purports to be used by British Socialists, and will he have copies of the broadcasts placed in the Library of the House so that hon. Members opposite may see how Germans use their propaganda for purposes which can only be of use or value to the Germans?

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Admiralty is the most quoted person in the German broadcasts?

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that reports of these broadcasts are already regularly placed in the Library?

Sir Herbert Williams

Can the Minister tell me whether these broadcasts can be reached on ordinary machines, and is he aware that when I tried to get this station last Sunday night, I found that my wavelengths were not low enough?

23. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Minister of Information whether he is now satisfied that vigorous action is in process to counteract the highly organised schemes of propaganda maintained in Belgium and Holland by the agencies of the German Government?

Sir J. Reith

Yes, Sir; increasingly vigorous action is being taken, and we believe it will be increasingly effective.

Sir P. Hannon

Is my right hon. Friend really taking steps to see that nothing is given away from this country to the enemy?

Sir J. Reith

I am really doing my best.

Mr. Loftus

Is my right hon. Friend considering counteracting the German propaganda in France?

Mr. Thorne

Is the Minister aware that that propaganda is making no impression?