§ 44. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will communicate with Dominion Governments with a view to comparing respective legal actions taken against subjects charged with subversive speeches or activity, and with a view to securing a common principle to become operative in all such legal actions?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Viscount Cranborne)The administration in the Dominions of the law in regard to subversive activities is a matter for the consideration of the Dominion authorities, and, no doubt, differs in accordance with the varying circumstances of the countries concerned. Having regard to these differences, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by an approach to the Dominion Governments on lines suggested in the hon. Member's Question.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in fact there has been differentiation in the interpretation and treatment of a number of cases of alleged subversive activities in the Dominions and in India? Would he not draw the attention of the Indian Government to a number of cases of people who have made speeches very much like Mr. Nehru's and who have not received four years rigorous imprisonment?
§ Viscount CranborneIndia is not a matter for me. In regard to the Dominions, it would be very unwise, I think, to interfere with their internal affairs.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes that apply to India, too?