POWER MODIFIED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 30 November 1939, Page 5

POWER MODIFIED

WAR REGULATIONS ACTION IN BRITAIN FEWER RESTRICTIONS | WIDE LIBERTY ALLOWED ! (British Official Wireless.) Reed. Noon. RUGBY. Nov. 29. It is generally believed that as a result of modifications introduced after consultation with a committee representing all political parties, the new defence regulations announced yesterday will command substantial agreement. The modifications, which dispense with some of the more drastic powers conferred under the former regulations, illustrate the Government’s confidence in the people and in certain respects emphasise the extent of liberty permitted in war conditions. An example of the changes made is in the regulation making it an offence to endeavour to cause disaffection among those engaged in the King’s service. It has been altered by the substitution of the words “seduce from their duty,” since the oiiginal wording might cover legitimate propaganda designed to secure better conditions for dependents etc. Publication of Reports ' The regulation relating to influencing public opinion has also been rediawn so as to apply only to the use made of false statements, documents, or reports. The Home Secretary’s powers of detention, formerly broad, are now limited to “any person of hostile origin or associations and any person who lie has reasonable cause to believe was recently concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety or the defence of the realm.” The provision enabling the Home Secretary to delegate his function prohibiting meetings to Mayors, justices of the peace, and police officers has been dropped. In fact, no action regarding meetings has been taken by the Home Secretary anywhere since the war. The power of arrest given to soldiers, sailors, and airmen in uniform is also considerably restricted and the regulation against sabotage specifically excludes strike activities.