LAWLESS "SQUATTERS"

Evening Star, Issue 25895, 12 September 1946, Page 7

LAWLESS "SQUATTERS"

Government To Take Action Criminal Conspiracy Alleged (Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 11. "The Government tabs a very serious view of the forcible seizure and occupation by unauthorised persons of private premises in London, especially' those required for housing and other public purposes," says a statement issued by No. 10 Downing Street. It adds: " This action has been instigated, rather than with the object of helping arrangements for the orderly rehousing of those in need of accommodation. The. Government has been advised that both civil and criminal laws have been violated. Unless steps are taken to check lawless measures of this sort, the rights of ordinary law-abiding citizens will be endangered and anarchy may result. It is the duty of the police to take etfery step within the limits ot their resources to prevent breaches ot the law, and they have been instructed to take appropriate action to prevent further forcible entries." j The statement said that writs have been issued In the High Court, on behalf of the Ministers of Works and Health, against the Bedford House and Fountain Court trespassers, claiming damages and seeking an injunction to restrain continuance of the trespass. " In addition, a report op all the facts has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is considering in the ordinary course of his duties, the question of instituting proceedings for criminal conspiracy against the organisers of and the participators in this unlawful movement."