HC Deb 15 November 1944 vol 404 cc1966-7
62. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Minister of information whether there are any British news correspondents in Persia.

Mr. Bracken

So far as my information goes, there are no British news correspondents working there. Representatives of British newspapers pass through occasionally.

Mr. Hammersley

If there are no British news correspondents there, why have we to rely for our news on what is happening in that country on reports published in the Russian Press?

Mr. Bracken

If British newspapers do not care to appoint correspondents in Persia, I cannot force them to do so. We have a free Press and, if they think Persia is worth while covering, they have every facility for going there.