ENORMOUS POWERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 July 1939, Page 6

ENORMOUS POWERS

TAKEN BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ACTION AGAINST I.R.A. TERRORISTS. LABOUR PARTY SUPPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) . LONDON. July 24. In his statement on the Prevention of Violence Bill the Home Secretary (Sir S. Hoare) reviewed terrorist activities as the worst way of influencing opinion. He emphasised the skilful preparations of the I.R.A. plan and added that loss of life hitherto had miraculously, been avoided, partly owing to the courage and efficiency of the police. He pointed out, however, that the terrorists were becoming more astute and übiquitous and were preparing a campaign without taking into account human life, besides stimulating foreign organisations, and for this reason more drastic action was necessary. The provisions were based upon the action of Dominion Governments. The suggested methods of prevention were admittedly temporary, in order to meet an emergency, though they empowered the Executive to act when it lacked legal proof. Mr A. Greenwood agreed that terrorism would achieve nothing. Further powers were necessary to cope with the present ugly situation, and for this reason Labour would not oppose the Bill, despite the enormous powers it conferred on the Home Sec-1 retary.

The Bill passed its second reading by 218 votes to 17.