§ 23. Sir W. Davisonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the publication in this country of a German newspaper, entitled "Die Zeitung"; who are the publishers of the paper; and in what circumstances is the publication of a German newspaper permitted?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir. I understand that the publishers are the Maxwell Publishing Co. (1915), Ltd., and that the paper is intended for circulation among the many German-speaking people in this country whose sympathies are with the Allied cause. The reasons for its publication were stated in the leading article of its first issue on 12th March, 1941.
§ Sir W. DavisonIn view of the shortage of paper, does not my right hon. Friend consider that our German sympathisers in this country would be able to read the news in English, or does he think that the printing in German is useful for propaganda purposes?
§ Mr. MorrisonI gather that the difficulty is that most of these people do not understand English and would not be able to read it. This question should not be put to me, but, though I am not quite sure, to the Minister of Information or the Minister of Supply.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not the fact that this paper is engaged in very strong anti-Nazi propaganda, that it is run by Germans, and that is is of great importance throughout the world that there should be such a paper published in this country?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat, I understand, is the view we have taken.
§ Miss Eleanor RathboneWill the Minister arrange to place this paper in the Library, so that German-reading Members may see for themselves this exceedingly valuable piece of propaganda?