HC Deb 16 June 1942 vol 380 cc1375-7
43. Sir H. Morris-Jones

asked the Home Secretary whether he intends taking arty action against those responsible for a publication called "Review of World Affairs" which, in its 1st June issue, has an article calculated to cast doubt upon the loyalty and effectiveness of Russia as an Ally?

Mr. Peake

I have seen the publication referred to, and I share the view of my hon. Friend as to the objectionable nature of some of the references made in it to the significance of the Russian war effort in relation to the Allied Cause and to internal conditions in Russia. On the other hand, it is the considered policy of His Majesty's Government—and I think of this House—that the special powers conferred on the Executive in war-time should not be used to interfere with expressions of opinion in insignificant publications of limited circulation however objectionable and deplorable provided they are not likely to have any appreciable effect on the war effort.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is not the whole of this article, in its effect if not in its purpose, calculated to endanger the Alliance in many directions and also jeopardise victory? May I further ask whether the Minister's attention has been drawn to another aspect of this publication, namely, that owing to the auspices under which it is published it is regarded by many as an official or semi-official publication? From that point of view will he not take some action?

Sir T. Moore

Does the Minister think it wise to give publicity to this publication, which otherwise would continue in its present obscurity?

Mr. Peake

In reply to the first part of the question put by the hon. Member for Denbigh (Sir H. Morris-Jones), I think we ought to remember that the appeal of this publication is neither universal nor obvious, and that it requires persons gifted with wholly exceptional powers of application and concentration to peruse it.

Mr. Shinwell

Was not the "Daily Worker" banned for much less?

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is this review subsidised by the enemy?

Mr. Neil Maclean

Is it not the case that a Very large number of passages in this particular article were put forward not as expressions of opinion but as statements of fact regarding incidents and conditions in Russia, and does he not think it fit either to warn or stop this publication in the same manner as he did in the case of the "Daily Worker" and the "Daily Mirror"?

Mr. Peake

I am sure the producers of this publication will take heed of the feelings of the House and will have regard to the answer I have given on behalf of the Home Secretary.

Mr. Maclean

Is the Minister aware that this has been going on for more than a year?

Mr. Bossom

Is the Minister aware that this publication is sent abroad, and can he say whether it was examined and passed by the censor before it was sent abroad?

Mr. Peake

Yes, Sir. I believe that was, in fact, done, and the censor took exactly the same view of this publication as does the Home Secretary.

Mr. Maclean

If the censor is passing material of this character to go abroad into countries favourable to us, what other sort of stuff is allowed to go out of this country?