§ 30. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has received from foreign Governments regarding the publication of the Penkovsky Papers.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe Soviet Ambassador made representations on 15th Novemier. I pointed out in reply that Her Majesty's Government had no responsibility for or control over what is published by private firms and that we do not go in for censorship.
§ Mr. RoyleWhilst welcoming the Minister's reply, may I ask whether the matter was raised during the Secretary of State's visit to Moscow? Does he consider, in view of the fact that members of the British Embassy are mentioned in the papers, that the documents are accurate?
§ Mr. ThomsonWith regard to the first part of the supplementary question, the answer is, No. I do not think it is for Her Majesty's Government to express views as to the authenticity of commercially published publications.