§ 36. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Information whether any restriction has been imposed by the authorities in Russia or the U.S.A. on facts, news or views circulated by his Ministry to these two countries respectively.
§ Mr. BrackenThe arrangements differ in the two countries. In the U.S.A. the work of this Ministry is subject to the provisions of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, but subject to that, the authorities do not interfere with the circulation of facts, news or views by the British Information Services. In the U.S.S.R. our work does not proceed except with the agreement of the authorities concerned, but I can say at once that they have placed no restrictions on the content of our newspapers, the "British Ally" and the "British Chronicle."
§ Sir T. MooreWhile welcoming the right hon. Gentleman back after his recent indisposition, may I ask whether, in view of the recent misunderstandings which have taken place in regard to our news and views, the right hon. Gentleman would regard it as a matter of supreme importance to ensure that as wide a circulation of our views and news as possible takes place in these two countries of our Allies?
§ Mr. BrackenYes, Sir, but let no one think that the Ministry of Information can remove the misunderstandings that exist between the United Nations.
§ 37. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Information to what extent shorts and feature films produced under the auspices of his Ministry are shown in the U.S.A. and Russia.
§ Mr. BrackenShort and feature length films produced by this Ministry are widely shown in the United States in the public cinemas and elsewhere. In the U.S.S.R. the conditions are different as performances in the public cinemas normally make no provision for short films. British news reel items are regularly shown in the public cinemas. Ministry short films are being shown at private performances to an increasing extent.
§ Sir T. MooreAs this country has shown an increasing interest in Russian short films, and gives a great welcome to them when shown, could that be used, if I may suggest it, as a bargaining feature with the Soviet so as to get more British shorts shown throughout Russia?
§ Mr. BrackenI have no complaint about the showing of British shorts to Russia, but they are only shown to private audiences. Nor can I say anything but words of praise for the co-operation we have had from the Russian authorities in British publicity matters.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayIn view of the great success of shorts and documentaries in the United States will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Crown Film Unit is kept in being when other parts of his Ministry are closed down?
§ Mr. BrackenThat is a matter for the Cabinet.