SPANISH DICTATORSHIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1929, Page 5

SPANISH DICTATORSHIP

TIGHTENING THE SCREW.

(Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Recd. Feb. 11, 10 a.m.) MADRID, February 9. A new Royal ordinance, in the first place, orders authorities to arrest anyone publicly predicting a calamitous end to the' present regime, speaking against Ministers or high authorities for the purpose of injuring their reputation, or damaging authority or prestige. The penalty is fourteen days imprisonment and a fine of twenty-five to 2500 pesetas, independent of the fines that the Court may order. Secondly, clubs breaking the rule ordering abstention from political discussion, or members breaking the first article of the ordinance, will be closed. _ Thirdly, Ministerial Departments will open a register of officials giving an account of the ability, health, zeal, and political discretion, specially referring to those showing themselves enemies to the regime. Fourthly, Administrative Juntas employing obstructive or damaging methods will be suspended, or, in the event of a recurrence, dissolved. Fifthly, the Patrotic Union will I open registers of persons likely to cause political trouble or public uneasiness. The Council of Ministers decides the penalties for infringement of Articles two, three and four. The penalties will be irrevocable.