4. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken to counter Russian propaganda published in Communist papers in Berlin, more particularly the "Tägliche Rundschau."
§ Mr. MayhewThe point of view of the Western Powers is presented vigorously 488 and continuously by the Press and radio of the Western sectors of Berlin. This is true not only of the newspapers directly controlled by the occupying Powers but of the licensed German Press. A German boycott in the Western sectors, together with the scepticism of the Germans of all sectors about Communist propaganda, are reported to have reduced the sales of "Tägliche Rundschau" from 400,000 to 70,000 or fewer copies a day.
Mr. Scott-ElliotIs my hon. Friend aware that the continual propaganda to the effect that we intend to leave Berlin has an effect on the morale of the people there? Will he see that by every possible means the people there are sustained in their trust in the Western Powers?
§ Mr. MayhewThe vast majority of Berliners are almost impervious to this kind of propaganda now.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreWould it not help if, instead of using the word "unknown," as is now done in Berlin newspapers, the word "Russian" was used when the Western Powers had something to say about the crimes committed by the Russians in their zone?
§ Mr. J. HyndCan the Under-Secretary say why the Berlin radio station, which is situated in the Western sector can still be used by the Soviet propaganda machine, in view of the blockade which the Russians are operating against the Western Powers?
§ Mr. MayhewThat is another question, which I will answer if it is put on the Order Paper.
5. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that firm action is being taken against Communist papers in the Ruhr which have been printing articles calculated to cause hostility to the occupying Power.
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir. Action has been taken against two Communist newspapers in the Ruhr for violating Control Council Directive No. 40. One of these papers had its licence withdrawn, the other was suspended for a month.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanCan my hon. Friend tell us what is the content of Regulation No. 40, against which offences are committed?
§ Mr. MayhewControl Council Directive No. 40 lays it down that the German Press
must refrain from the publication of reproduction of articles which … are aimed at disrupting unity amongst the Allies, or which cause distrust and a hostile attitude on the part of the German people towards any of the Occupying Powers.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersWhy not suppress the "Daily Worker?"