§ 28. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the showing of the film "Oliver Twist" in Berlin has created considerable resentment and distress amongst some of the population there; what request the British Military Government has received from Professor Reuter, the senior burgomaster, and others for the withdrawal of the film; and what instructions he proposes to give in this matter.
Mr. McNeilDisorderly demonstrations against the showing of the film "Oliver Twist" took place at a cinema in the British sector of Berlin on the afternoons of 20th and 21st February. In view of these demonstrations the film, which had been shown on the two previous days, was replaced by another film. A letter signed by the oberburgermeister and various political and cultural leaders criticising the presentation of the film on the grounds that it might stir up antisemitic feeling was received by the Military Governor on the afternoon of 21st February.
Since the showing of this film was a German commercial undertaking in a German building, the demonstrations against the film were a German and not a British responsibility. The General Officer Commanding British troops in Berlin, however, advised the representative of the distributing agency to withdraw the film, but the actual decision not to show it, and the final decision to end its run, were made by the representative of the distributing agency himself.
§ Mr. JannerI am sure that my right hon. Friend appreciates what a serious thing it is, after a régime like that of Hitler which was monstrously anti-Semitic, that anything should be shown which would hurt the feelings of people who had suffered so badly. Would he please take into consideration that fact, and see to it that the authorities there do all they can to stop the exhibition of this film in any place where people have been so affected?
Mr. McNeilMy right hon. Friend will, of course, take note of what has been said. We are watching the situation carefully.