§ 25. Mr. Bartlettasked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the Hungarian Government has been broadcasting statements to the effect that the Anglo-Saxons are dropping dolls, rattles and other toys filled with explosives; and what steps he is taking to counteract this propaganda which is detrimental to the war effort.
§ Mr. BrackenWhen the Germans dropped their paratroops in Hungary and occupied all the principal Government departments they included some of Dr. Goebbels' merchants of lies. These representatives of the German propaganda Ministry seem to suffer from laziness of imagination. For they have resurrected the fly-blown story of explosives in dolls and rattles which was blared out early in the war by German radio stations, and long since laid aside.
§ Mr. BartlettIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Bulgarians are using the same old lie; and would he make it clear, in all our broadcasts in that part of the world, that people who do broadcast such lies, will have a very high priority on the list of war criminals?
§ Mr. BrackenI do not think you can really give a high priority on the list of war criminals to liars—at any rate, professional liars trained by Dr. Goebbels.
§ Captain PluggeWill the Minister satisfy himself that we have the means of covering Hungary on medium wave radio in order effectively to counter this propaganda?
§ Mr. BrackenWe certainly have the means. In fact, the radio facilities available to the Government at the moment are unexampled throughout the world.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs not war itself a lie?