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7. The refusal of an import licence would no doubt lay His Majesty's Govern- ment open to accusations of interfering with the liberty of the subject and with freedom of thought and publication. On the other hand, His Majesty's Government might well also be criticised for allowing a foreign publication of such a dangerous propaganda nature to enter this country and be shown to immature persons who have not the political wisdom to see through it. I do not see why we should allow this film to be imported any more than we would have allowed Nazi anti-semitic propaganda films before the war. Nevertheless, since this may raise matters of importance from the point of internal politics, I would welcome my colleagues' views on whether the public interest would be better served by letting the film through or refusing an import licence.

8. This film was seen in Germany by, among others, the Director of Education of the County Borough of Sunderland, who asked that the film be shown at the Youth Service Conference at Ashridge from 22nd to 30th April, 1951. He also suggested that, with the exercise of due care, it should be generally released in this country. The Bristol University Institute of Education had also heard of the film and requested a showing at their Conference on Youth Problems on 2nd January. As the film was then in Germany the request could not be granted. Other bodies might, however, hear of it and ask for a showing. A decision must therefore be taken on the general question of exhibition of the film in this country.

Recommendation

9. I do not think we should show the full coloured version in its original form. I see no reason, however, why extracts from it, suitably edited and drawing parallels with similar films of the Nazi Youth Movement, should not be shown to bring home to the British people the danger of the Communist regimentation of the youth under their care.

10. I would be grateful for the views of my colleagues on this point.

Foreign Office, S.W. 1,

19th March, 1951.

H. M.

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G.R.