§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which are the principal countries which have not subscribed to the international 1067W convention for the use of broadcasting in the cause of peace; whether this convention will prevent the signatory countries from arranging for broadcasts in foreign languages for counter-propaganda against propagandist broadcasts by non-signatory countries; and if not, whether he proposes to ratify this convention so long as undesirable propaganda broadcasting is continued by countries which are not a party to it?
§ Viscount CranborneThe list of countries which have signed this Convention will be found in the text presented to Parliament as a White Paper (Cmd. 5505 of 1937). Since this paper was laid, Australia has acceded. As regards the second part of the question, the Convention imposes no prohibition on broadcasts in foreign languages. Its main provisions are in the form of mutual undertakings which apply only between signatory Powers; the only obligations which could possibly be held to affect their relations with non-signatory States are those contained in Articles 3 and 4: these articles do not affect the right of propaganda but merely, in the general interest of accurate information, prohibit falsehoods on questions of fact. It is proposed to proceed to ratification on behalf of the United Kingdom at an early date.