HC Deb 14 July 1948 vol 453 cc1178-9
20. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date, and with what objects Foreign Office representatives saw the film, "The Iron Curtain," before its public release; and what report he has received of this film regarding the accuracy with which it exposes the aims and methods of international Communism.

Mr. Mayhew

A representative of the Foreign Office was invited by the British Board of Film Censors to a pre-view of this film on the 25th June in case there were matters of diplomatic concern arising from its public exhibition in this country. In reply to the last part of the Question, I understand that the film follows closely the Guzenko incident in the report of the Royal Commission on the Canadian Spy Trials.

Major Beamish

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, quite apart from its entertainment value, this film is a most accurate presentation of the evidence given to the Royal Commission, and that, if anything, it errs on the side of understatement.

Mr. Piratin

Stop advertising.

Mr. Mayhew

It is not for me to comment on that.

Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

Has the Soviet Ambassador in London, who was the Soviet Ambassador in Canada at that time, raised any official objection to the showing of this film, and if so, on what grounds?

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the Minister and his hon. Friends have just published a centenary edition of the Communist manifesto, which calls for the overthrow of present social relations, will he now alter his attitude to the foul anti-Communist propaganda of the American capitalists, or does he want to read the book?