§ 51. Commander Sir Archibald Southbyasked the Prime Minister whether he can now say what action has been taken regarding the pamphlet recently issued by the Communist party, dated 22nd. June?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has taken action with a view to stopping the distribution of this pamphlet.
§ Sir A. SouthbyIn view of the position of grave danger in which this country finds itself, will my right hon. Friend see to it that any subversive propaganda, whether Fascist, Communist or anything else, is dealt with promptly, drastically 388 and impartially, and that the organisations concerned are suppressed; and can he say when this leaflet was first brought to the notice of the Cabinet?
§ The Prime MinisterWith regard to the first part of the question, it seems to state conclusions with which we are all in agreement. I am not aware of the date on which this pamphlet was brought to the notice of the Cabinet.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWhat was the action taken?
§ The Prime MinisterThe action taken has been to stop the distribution of the pamphlet.
§ Mr. StephenCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will not adopt the Gestapo methods advocated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite?
§ 63. Mr. Liddallasked the Home Secretary why he caused the release of John Kelly, an avowed Communist, who was found guilty of posting Communist literature in the lavatories of a machine-tool works where he was lately employed, was recommended for internment, and detained by the police pending a decision; and, in view of the anger such decision has caused among the loyal employés at these works and throughout the country, whether he will reconsider this case?
§ Sir J. AndersonThis man was found posting up copies of a leaflet about which I answered Questions on 4th July. He was not charged with any offence, but was detained temporarily pending consideration of the question whether an order should be made for his detention under Regulation 18B. I do not think it would be right to single out for internment under this Regulation an individual disseminator of this leaflet, but, as I indicated in my previous reply, other action is being taken to put a stop to the circulation of this very objectionable leaflet.