DEFENCE OF REALM

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 131, 30 November 1939, Page 13

DEFENCE OF REALM

BRITISH REGULATIONS

MODIFICATIONS ANNOUNCED

CONFIDENCE IN THE ■■ PEOPLE •:■•■,.

(British Official Wireless.) (Received November 30, 10 a.m.)

RUGBY, November 29,

Il is generally believed that as, a result of modifications, introduced after consultation with a committee representing all political parties, new Defence Regulations announced yesterday will command substantial agreement.

The modifications, which dispense with some of the more drastic powers conferred under the former regulations, illustrate the Government's confidence in the people and in cerlain respects emphasise the extent to which liberty is permitted in war conditions.

An example of the changes made is in the regulation making it an offence to endeavour to cause" disaffection among those engaged in the King's service. It has been altered by the-sub-stitution of the words "seduce from their duty," since the original wording might cover legitimate propaganda designed to secure better conditions for dependants, etc.

The regulation relating to influencing public opinion has also been redrawn so as to apply only to the use made of false statements, documents,, or reports.

The powers of the Home Secretary of detention, formerly broad, are now limited to "any person ~of hostile origin or associations and any person who he has reasonable cause to believe was recently concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety or the defence of the realm."

A provisipn enabling the Home Secretary to delegate the function of prohibiting meetings to Mayors, Justices of the Peace, and police officers has been dropped. In fact, no action regarding meetings has been taken by the Home Secretary anywhere since the war. * .

The power of arrest given to soldiers, sailors, arid airmen in uniform has^ also been considerably restricted, and the regulation against sabotage specifically excludes strike activities.