LLOYD GEORGE’S ESCAPE

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1921, Page 5

LLOYD GEORGE’S ESCAPE

AN ATTACK AVERTED. SCOTLAND YARD SEQUEL. SENIOR MAN DISMISSED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copynffrt. Received Nor. 5, 5.5 p.m. London. Nov. 4. The Australian Press Association un--1 er stands that while Sir Basil Thompson (who has resigned the position of Director of Intelligence at Scotland Yard), has long been an object of Laoor antagonism, the events which culminated in his summary dismissal were the almost successful interference of Sinn Feiners with Mr. Lloyd George when the latter left The Chequers, his country residence. It is no secret in official quarters in London that Mr. Lloyd George had a most narrow earape from a distressing experience; indeed. it is more than a suggestion that there were a few seconds only between him and a tragedy. The responsibility for this is unreasonably thrown upon Sir Basil Thompson. A great deal was made by Mr. E. Shortt (Home Secretary) of the fact that Sir Basil Thompson refused to cooperate with General Sir William Horwood (Chief Commissioner of the London police), but the facts are that Sir Basil Thompson was a trusted official of Scotland Yard before Mr. Shvrtt employed General Horwood in 1929. Sir Basil Thompson objected to General Hor wood's appointment as unsuitable, and he approached Mr. Shortt, who arranged with Sir Basil Thompson that he. as officer in charge of special intelligence, should have direct access to the Minister. Mr. Shortt objected to this arrangement being placed on record on the ground that he and Sir Basil Thompson were honorable men, which was good enough.

Later, when the unemployment crisis arose, it was an undoubted fact that Sir Basil Thompson became cognizent of the existence of grave undercurrents, worked by Communists, and sometime* Don-British Communists.

The situation became so grave that Sir Basil Thompson, by virtue of his experience and General Horwood’s inexperience of the London police, and in view of Mr. Shortt’s undertaking giving direct access to himself, did not consult General Horwood. preferring to deal with the fountain head. The Labor Party undoubtedly interfered in the matter, with the result that Sir Basil Thompson was made a scapegoat and sacrificed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable' Assn. It was reported last week that Sir Basil Thompson had resigned the position of Director of Intelligence at Scotland Yard owing to difficulties with Sir sV:lliam Horwood, Chief Commissioner.