MINISTERS’ CHILDREN

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 July 1913, Page 7

MINISTERS’ CHILDREN

THREATS OF KIDNAPPING

Precautionary measures of an unusual character are just now being taken by the police to secure the safety of the children of two Cabinet .Ministers, Mr Lloyd George and Mr Winston Churchill (says the Loudon Budget). It is understood that threats of kidnapping have been made in regard to the children in the form of anonymous letters, ''presumably coming from militant suffragettes. Because of this special men have been told off from the A division .ot police to look after the safety of the Ititle ones. In Mr Winston Churchill's case the detectives have to look after the welfare of a little four year old girl and a two year old boy. Wherever the children go in charge of their two nurses, not far away are two detectives ready to interfere at the slightest sign of any molestation on the part of a stranger, in Mr Lloyd-George’s case, in regard to his little daughter .Megan police precautions have been enforced now for many months. Wherever the little girl goes a detective travels keeping a keen look-out for all suspicious persons These detectives are all drawn from the special service branch of the A. division, which has charge of the Royal palaces, Government offices, etc., and i& a body apart from the ordinary Scotland Yard Criminal Investigation Department. Most of them are men of long service, with special knowledge of foreign criminals, members of Anarchist groups, and similar organisations. . No desperate attempt on the part of suffragists to kidnap these children is really feared but in view of the fact that there are many persons ready to take advantage of the militancy now being exhibited, and under its cover to perform evil deeds, that may tend to their own disadvantage, it has been deemed advisable to take every, precaution. The authorities have rightly resolved to be on the safe side, hence the elaborate precautions have caused so much comment.