AMERICAN AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1930, Page 6

AMERICAN AFFAIRS

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST COMMUNISTS.

(United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 9.40 a.m.; MONTREAL, October 28. An article written expressly for the Australian and New Zealand Press Association by Cornelius Vanderbilt junior, a member of the one of the richest families in America, who himself is a noted journalist, states the Government quietly has prepared against tbe possibility of Communists or others attempting to capitalise the prevalence of unemployment through mass demonstrations this winter. The adjutants general of the National Guards have been asked to hold themselves in readiness to cope with activities indicative of subversive propaganda. It is understood, I am informed, that similar suggestions were made to the Governors of all States. The orders are more precautionary than anything else on the whole. Foreign diplomats have been, in private conversations, more concerned bv Communist activities in Unite/,) Stat. es than the American authorities. It is known to be the opinion openly expressed by the Secretary of War, Mr Hurley, however, that had it not been for Mr Hoover the stock market collapse of a year ago would have resulted in rioting and bloodshed. I have been told by one military authority that he believes the National Guard, should it prove necessary, would handle any demonstration with discretion. At any rate, officials are determined there shall he no repetition of the riots marking the business panic of 1896.”