§ 59. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as a measure to counter the anti-British propaganda in Western Germany, he will consider the establishment there of a journal akin to the "British Ally," published in Moscow.
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. Several British sponsored publications which act as the counterpart of "British Ally," as well as British newspapers and periodicals, already circulate freely in Western Germany.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeAs these are not adequate to deal with the serious anti-British propaganda rapidly spreading in Western Germany, will my hon. Friend look into the situation again, especially as no fewer than 77 pan-German papers have recently sprung up in the Ruhr, all expressing an anti-British viewpoint?
§ Mr. John HyndWill my hon. Friend give an assurance that these replies to anti-British propaganda will be published in America as well as in Germany?
§ Mr. Anthony NuttingWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a firmer and more positive policy by His Majesty's Government in Germany would do far more than any British or Allied 892 publications in Germany to explain away the feebleness of our present policy?
§ Mr. MayhewOf course, I cannot accept the assumptions of that question. The efforts we are making to bring home the British point of view are, as I think the reply shows, very effective in many directions.
Mr. Wilson HarrisWould the hon. Gentleman consider that the publication of a British paper which was obviously British propaganda would completely defeat its own object?
§ Mr. AlbuIs it not a fact that "Die Welt" is British controlled and would it not be better to say so on the front page?
§ Mr. MayhewThat is a different question.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeOwing to the seriousness of the position in Germany in regard to the Press, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment.