HC Deb 25 July 1951 vol 491 cc447-8
17. Major Vernon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the appearance in Moscow of a new publication called "News," published in English and having for its object the closer understanding between the peoples of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Anglo-Saxon world; and whether he will instruct our ambassador to obtain copies and if he will place them in the Library.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the new publication will shortly be on sale in this country through ordinary commercial channels; but I have arranged for copies of the first number to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Would not the object referred to in the third line of the Question be better served if this paper were published in Russian?

Mr. Awbery

Will the Minister take steps to publish in this country in the Russian language a paper called "News" which has for its object the same object as the "News" that is published in Moscow, namely, friendship between Russia and this country?

Sir Herbert Williams

Could I ask whether this paper will be published at the Stationery Office under the condition that nobody may cut the price?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister aware that a well-known commentator, who is an anti-Communist, Mr. A. J. Cummings of the "News Chronicle," has welcomed "News" as showing signs of a new mood in Russia, and should not we welcome it also?

Mr. Davies

It would be a grave mistake for anybody to jump to conclusions on the first issue of this paper.

Air Commodore Harvey

How many copies of this publication are being, or have been, printed?

Mr. Davies

I am not responsible for that.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he will secure some reciprocal arrangement by which newspapers published here can also be sold in Moscow?