SILENCE PAYS IN SPAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 585, 11 February 1929, Page 9

SILENCE PAYS IN SPAIN

NEW ROYAL ORDINANCE

GAOL FOR THE CRITICS

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 7.30 a.m. MADRID, Sunday. A new Royal Ordinance lias been issued. In the first place its orders the authorities to arrest anyone publicly predicting a calamitous end to the present regime, speaking against Ministers or high authorities Tor the purpose of injuring their reputations or of damaging their authority or prestige. The penalty is one to 14 days’ imprisonment with a line of from 25 to 2,500 pesetas, independent of lines tlic courts may order. Secondly, the ordinance authorises that clubs breaking the rule ordering abstention from political discussions or members breaking the first article of the ordinance will be closed.

Thirdly, Ministerial departments will open a register of officials, giving an account of their ability, health, zeal and political discretion, specially referring to those who have shown themselves enemies to the regime. fourthly, administrative juntas employing obstructive or damaging methods will be suspended or, in the event of recurrence, dissolved. Fifthly, the Patriotic Union will open registers of persons likely to cause political trouble or public uneasiness.

The Council of Ministers decides the penalties for infringements under articles two. three and four, and the penalties will be irrevocable.