§ Sir W. SMILESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take steps to prevent companies registered in England using their British registration as a cloak for political activities in foreign countries?
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§ Mr. EDENHis Majesty's Government have no power to control the activities of British companies abroad except in countries where His Majesty's Government possess extra-territorial rights. In the latter cases the powers are those conferred by the relevant Order in Council governing the exercise of such rights. As regards the question, however, of affording diplomatic protection in any particular case, this is in all countries a matter within the discretion of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, and would depend entirely upon the circumstances involved.