Oral Answers to Questions — India. – in the House of Commons at on 5 October 1931.
Mr Carlyon Bellairs
, Maidstone
asked the Secretary of State for India whether any breach of the undertaking that Soviet Russia and the Third International shall abstain from propaganda has been reported from India since diplomatic recognition was accorded; and whether such Communist propaganda has been the subject of any official observations in India by officials or judges?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
The Government of India have from time to time drawn attention to instances of Communist propaganda, and such action as has been found possible has been taken through the diplomatic channel. As regards the second part of the question, the Government of India have not brought any such observations to my notice.
Mr Carlyon Bellairs
, Maidstone
In view of these representations and our own experience, is the Government of India prepared to tell the Government of Russia, through the Foreign Office, that our patience is becoming exhausted and that we will take appropriate action?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
I have already called the attention of the Foreign Office to cases of this kind when they have arisen.
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
My hon. and gallant Friend had better put that question on the Paper.
Sir Waldron Smithers
, Chislehurst
Is this propaganda in breach of the covenant entered into with the late Foreign Secretary, I think in October, 1928?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
That question had better be addressed to the Foreign Sectary. My own answer would be "Yes."
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.