HC Deb 18 March 1940 vol 358 cc1646-7
69. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that an expensively printed brochure, published in Geneva, entitled the "Heroic Fight of the Poles," and containing photographs of shocking atrocities which has been circulated to Members of Parliament, is really thinly-disguised German propaganda against the Polish people; and why, seeing that his officers have stopped so many publications, more care was not exercised before the importation of this enemy propaganda was sanctioned?

Sir J. Anderson

In two cases which have been brought to my notice the postal packets containing this publication bore fictitious labels purporting to show that they had been originally despatched from this country to an address abroad and subsequently returned to the senders here as undelivered mail. It would appear from inquiries that this publication was not printed by any firm in this country, although it purports to have been printed by an English firm. I quite agree with the hon. Lady that all possible steps should be taken to stop this revolting form of propaganda being sent into this country, and further inquiries are being made.

Miss Wilkinson

In view of the large number of these publications which seem to have been circulated, and in view of the fact that a considerable number of Members of this House have received copies, and that, obviously, a large quantity must have come in, would the right hon. Gentleman make an inquiry as to why this carelessness has happened?

Sir J. Anderson

I am making an inquiry.