BEHIND LINES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20084, 2 November 1939, Page 6

BEHIND LINES

WAR IN BRITAIN PRO-NAZI BODIES "RUMOUR-MONGERS" RESTRICTION URGED NEW REGULATIONS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 2, 1.50 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. 1. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary, Sir .John Anderson, said that the Government considered that a new regulation to put down the activities of pro-Nazi organisations throughout Britain was "absolutely essential." Under the guise of harmless social organisations. anti-British leagues were carrying on a war "behind the lines." One Nazi organisation had ordered its members to "turn themselves into rumour-mongers and channels of propaganda." They were instructed to ridicule Britain's civil defence measures and foster the idea that evacuation was unnecessary. "If only this propaganda can be disseminated it will i3O suggested that people should return to London, resulting in the defeat of an important measure in the interests of the civil population." said Sir John. This organisation was well known as antiJewish and pro-Nazi. After a stormy debate, in which the stringency of the proposed regulations under the Emergency Powers Defence Act. was strongly criticised, the Lord Privy Seal. Sir Samuel Hoare, promised that the regulations would be re-introduced with amendments. In the meantime, with a view to maintaining national unity, the Government would consult the Opposition on the matter.