BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

“DAWN” DISCUSSED. (Australian Press Association & Sun.) (Received tliis day at Jl.O a m.) LONDON, Feb. 27. In the Commons, Hon Amery, in reply to questions, said lie had not received any request to communicate with the Dominion Governments on the.subject, of the exhibition of the film “Dawn.” The German Government had made no representation to the Colonial Office on the subject. Sir A. Chamberlain stated the tierman lEmbassy on 2(5-9-27 drew the attention of the Foreign Office to n Dawn,” and was informed that tne Government had no powers of political censorship. The German Ambassador on 24th January spoke to linn on the subject, and as he personally felt strongly on the subject lie interviewed O’Connor and begged him particularly to give attention to the character of the film when it was submitted to the Board of Censors. Mr Crookshank asked: “Have memliers of the German Embassy seen the Government’s film adviser, oi member of the Government seen the film.” . Sir A. Chamberlain replied: have not seen it and for reasons already explained do not propose to see it in any circumstances. ’ Sir A. Chamberlain continued that the Government’s adviser on 3-11-27 told him that Wilcox thus described the shooting scene— “ One of the firing party definitely refused to level a rifle at Nurse Cavell, and is shot on the spot. The rest line up and on the order to fire raise their rifles in order to five above her head. She falls to Hie ground fainting and an officer steps forward and despatches her.” “I believe is is an entirely "u-red- —. ihle version of the event,” Sir ACliamherlain said. “T feel it is an outrage on a noble woman’s memory. Air Kenworthy asked why was no objection taken during the preparation of the film. Sir A. Chamberlain replied: I have other things to attend to m:u • studv forthcoming films and news papers and therefore acted on W Wilcox’s description of the fihn to tin adviser.” Sir A. Chamberlain said it was not true Hint nobody in authority had seen the film. The Government’s adviser saw the film and discussed it with Air AV ncox. Sir A. Chamberlain further questioned said his own objection to the film was restated by Lord Birkenhead in the “Daily Telegraph” on Saturday. What lie did in the matter was undertaken on liis own responsibility. If Tie had to act again he would do the same. Sir A. Cliamherlain told a questioner that the exhibition of the German film “The World Through German Spectacles,” was prohibited in the ’ occupied territories by the Tllijneland High Commissioner,