HC Deb 26 March 1919 vol 114 cc417-8W
Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that a member of the American Senate Committee appointed to investigate Bolshevik activities in America has stated that 50,000,000 dollars have been appropriated by the Bolsheviks for propaganda in foreign countries; whether he will take immediate steps to ascertain if any of this money has been spent in the United Kingdom, and, if so, to confiscate any newspapers or distributing business in any way connected with this propaganda?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but His Majesty's Government have been informed from different sources that very large funds have been appropriated by the Russian Bolsheviks for propaganda in foreign countries. Steps are being taken, and have been taken for some time, to ascertain whether any of these funds have been spent in the United Kingdom. Should any case arise as suggested in the last part of the question, suitable steps would be taken to deal with the matter in accordance with the existing regulations.

Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to statements that Bolshevik money for the purpose of world revolution is being distributed through agents in Sweden; and whether he will take immediate steps to deport all known Russian Bolsheviks in this country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.