FASCIST METHODS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 99, 7 February 1936, Page 5

FASCIST METHODS

TRUNCHEONS USED AT MEETING, \ evidence in libel action. HOUSE AS DRESSING STATION. SEVENTY OR EIGHTY TREATED. (United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 1 p.m.) LONDON, February 6. Stories of the Olympia “battle’’ in June, 1934, were recalled by evidence when, in the King’s Bench Division, Sir Oswald Mosley sued John Marchbank (secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen) for slander, alleging that Marchbank, in July, 1934, in a speech, used words to the effect that Mosley had secretly instructed Fascists to discover how many officers of the forces would join the Fascists, and had also recommended members to use rub ber clubs filled with shot, knuckledusters and knives, and that Marchbank also alleged that the I ascists were assembling in the guise of a military machine to overthrow the Government. George Cameron Simpson gave evidence that he was a member of tho Fascists, in 1932-35 as propaganda research officer, after which he was reduced to the rank of Fascist. Simpson exhibited a heavily-buckled belt, with which ho demonstrated how he allegedly saw Fascists using such belts at Olympia. He also alleged that he saw Fascists striking several people. Ho heard one say: “That is the fiftyfourth bumped off.” Fred Dodd, member of a Lancashire City Council, gave evidence that wlieh from the platform Sir Oswald Mosley denied that Fascism was anti-semitic, a Black Shirt struck with something like a rubber truncheon a man who shouted: “What about beating the Jews recently!” Jacob Miller, a student, gave evidence that at Olympia he rose and protested, upon which several Fascists dropped him over the gallery. He tel! on his hands and knees. Other Fascists carried him outside, where he was belaboured on the head and face, necessitating his spending nine days in hospital. , , Dr. Peter Gorer, who attendee at Olympia, in evidence stated that a house nearby became a dressing station, where 60 or 70 non-Fascists were treate<Sir Oswald Mosley gave evidence that unfortunately the meeting was a very great battle. They had instituted dressing "stations because it had been intimated that Communists would attack the. meeting. About 100 Fascists, including eight women, were injured. Eric Piercy, a Fascist official, denied that he received instructions from Sir Oswald Mosley to carry weapons to the meetings. The hearing was adjourned,