HC Deb 08 March 1948 vol 448 cc782-4
39. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Soviet Information Bureau has published a series of documents, and views thereon, under the title "Falsifiers of History," by way of answer to the United States State Department publication "Nazi-Soviet Relations," 1939–41, that "New Times" is republishing the former documents in pamphlet form this month; and whether he is still satisfied that 600 copies of the U.S. State Department document is an adequate number to satisfy public demand and for the proper information of public opinion.

Mr. McNeil

I am aware that the Soviet Information Bureau communiqué entitled "Falsifiers of History" is about to be republished in this country. It is not, however, a series of documents but merely a propaganda pamphlet which purports to comment upon the United States publication, but is designed as a further attack upon the United Kingdom. I have no confirmation that a supplement to the "New Times" on this subject will also be published. If there is such a public demand as the hon. and gallant Member anticipates it may be that commercial publication, subject to normal restrictions, and with approval of the United States authorities, will take place.

Professor Savory

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this very important United States publication was available last Friday only in the Stationery Office, and that up to that time hon. Members had great difficulty in borrowing copies from various officials who were kind enough to lend them?

Mr. McNeil

I am sure that my right hon. Friends concerned will be glad to make investigations.

Mr. Pritt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if any Member of the House applies to him or to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for a copy he will receive it by return of post?

Mr. McNeil

My hon. and learned Friend, as he sometimes is, is completely misinformed.

Mr. Pritt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am trying to help, by reminding him that when I wrote to his right hon. Friend and asked for a copy I got it by return of post?

Mr. McNeil

My hon. and learned Friend must not conclude that the treatment accorded to him on this subject is the treatment accorded to all hon. Members. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] There must be a relationship with the necessity of informing. One of my right hon. Friends is still waiting.

Mr. Thurtle

Can my right hon. Friend say when the commercial publication, to which he has referred, will take place?

Mr. McNeil

If my hon. Friend reads my answer, he will see that I have referred merely to the possibility of commercial publication. My right hon. Friend and I have nothing to do with commercial publication.