HC Deb 23 June 1943 vol 390 cc1141-2
25. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Information whether he is now able to make a statement with reference to his inquiry into the activities of newspapers published by Allied subjects in this country hostile to the Soviet Government; and whether the attacks made have now ceased?

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

Yes, Sir. The inquiry into the activities of foreign newspapers has been completed, and His Majesty's Government have taken measures to ensure that a failure on the part of a foreign publication to observe proper restraint will not be tolerated. In answers to Questions in this House, I have warned editors of foreign journals of the responsibility they owe in return for the hospitality they enjoy. I hope they will take careful note of what I have said, because if any of them defy this warning and attempt to stir up discord among the United Nations, official facilities for the publication of their journals will be withdrawn and their licences to publish will be revoked.

Mr. Mander

Will my right hon. Friend consider also the advisability of taking drastic action against those responsible for the secretly published and unofficial journals which are sometimes as embarrassing to the Polish Government as they are hostile to the Soviet Union?

Mr. Bracken

I entirely agree with the hon. Member, but I would point out to him that these are not journals but pamphlets. These Poles rush around to printers in various parts of the country, and no licence is required to publish pamphlets. I do not intend to ask the House for power to stop the publication of pamphlets, even though it might put an end to the scandal, because if the Ministry of Information is given too much power, it is bound to abuse it.

Wing-Commander James

Are we to take it that the converse also applies, and that attacks on the Polish Government will be equally discouraged?

Mr. Bracken

Yes, Sir. I have already had a controversy with a well-known organ called the "Daily Worker" for attacks on the Polish Government, and until that paper learns manners I intend to see that it shall not be sent abroad.

Captain Peter Macdonald

What is the Paper Controller doing in allowing so many journals and pamphlets to be published which Members of Parliament as well as other citizens every day have showered upon them?

Mr. Bracken

I have quite enough trouble without answering for the Paper Controller.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that since the Minister issued his warning to the Polish papers they have now extended their activities to publishing an English section, directed towards the English-speaking public, and carrying in this English section slanders against the Soviet Union?

Mr. Bracken

No, I am sure that is not the case.

Mr. Gallacher

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the papers?