BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Australian Press Assn.—United Service IN THE COMMONS. (Received this day at Jl.O a m.) LONDON, June 11. In the Commons Messrs F. O. Roberts and Thomas called attention to Judge Atherley Jones’ speech criticising the police and alleging the force was becoming militarised with disastrous results. They asked would action ho taken. Sir IV. Joynson Hides: “I prefer to make no pronouncement on the Judge’s speech?” Mr Thomas: “Has the tribunal powed to commit for contempt of court?” Sir AV. Joynson Hides: “Yes.” Mr .nomas: “Even if Judge?” ■§ir W. Joynson Hicks did not answer. LONDON, June 11. Sir Locker Lampson told Rennie Smith that none of tho Dominions raised objection to Article 10 in Sir A. Chamberlain’s reply to Mr Kellogg. Hon Amery told Robert Thomas that as their.wages in the Dominions was sufficient to enable them to save for tho return journey, it was unnecessary to consider guaranteeing the home passage to women migrants, as a means of ovorcom>ing diffidence and hesitancc to migrate.

RED RUSSIAN MONEY. (British Official Wireless)., LONDON, Juno" 11. Sir W. Joynson Hicks (Home Secretary) stated in the House of Commons to-day that inquiries brought to light two series of transactions which were undoubtedly the channel through which Russiian money was supplied to the British Communist organisation during the period from July 1927 to April 1928. One scries of transactions was carried out by a clerk in the Foreign Exchange Department of Moscow Narodny Bank. Some of these transactions were known to the Directors of the Bank, since as a result of an inquiry on April 20th. the clerk concerned was dismissed from the Bank. Tho total sums involved in tkese transactions from duly to April amounted to £14.202. In a number of other transactions, two other men were concerned, the total sum involved between July sth. 1927 and April 20th. 1928 being at.least £13,796. These two men were called before the Board of the Bank, and being unable to give a satisfactory explanation ol their transrfctlionsp were dismissed. Between three persons the total sum of- not less than £27,998 was disbursed during tho period, July 1927 to April 20th. 1928. The Directors of the Moscow Narodny Bank disclaimed all knowledge:of the transactions and had dismissed further members of the staff implicated in the matter.

Sir Joynson Hicks said the name of the dork in tlie Narodny Bank was IV. B. Duncan. There were also transactions with Quelch an ml Priestly, employees of Centrosoyas Ltd. in connection with £13,796. J. B. Thomas: “Does three persons receipt of money, constitute an illegal act?” Sir J. Hicks: “I will have to take legal advice.” Mr Thomas: “If the action is illegal, will you, in the interests of the State take the necessary steps?” Sir J Hicks: “If tlie legal advisers are of the opinion that money coming in is a crime, I will take proceedings.” Mr Maxton: “ Will you dare investigate the funds of the party of which I am Chairman?” Sir J. Hicks: “If I think it desirable I will dare anything.” (Laughter). Mr Maxton; angrily: “Do you assert the above is the law of the land?” ■ Sir J. Hicks: “I realise J must act within the law, hut I am not afraid you.”