RELEASE OF MOSLEYS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 November 1943, Page 6

RELEASE OF MOSLEYS

WORKERS’ OPPOSITION

LONDON, Nov. 20. The Mosleys were released from Holloway prison to-day. Elaborate precautions were taken to ensure the secrecy of their departure. A former member of the British Union of Fascists stated: “I imagine Sir Oswald Mosley will be under house arrest. The Mosleys were met at Holloway by Home Office representatives and taken by car to a place where they will live during their period of liberty.” It is understood that Sir Oswald Mosley may at any time be imprisoned again if conditions contained in a document he signed are not fulfilled. He is believed to have been taken of Oxfordshire for medical treatment. The Home Secretary (Mr. Mornson) has promised to make a statement to the House of Commons on the Mosleys’ release. He said he would have no difficulty in convincing the country that the Government was unwavering in its adherence to the principles for which the nation was fighting.

Evidence has come swiftly that the decision to release Sir Oswald and Lady Mosley, former leaders of Fascism in Britain, is having a bad psychological effect on workers in war factories throughout the country. This is one factor which is perturbing most of the members of Parliament who are to raise the matter when the House of Commons meets.

Another factor arousing perturbation is the manner in which the public reaction is being linked with the effect on the fighting services. The Allies’ struggle for freedom and democracy is being used as a catch-cry tor the opponents of the Mosleys’ release, and there is no telling to what extent the feeling will run. Delegates from many factories in the London area stood four deep in Whitehall with petitions for the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and other Ministers protesting against die Mosleys’ release. The leader of one deputation estimated that 75,000 to 85,000 workers are represented, and other deputations are on the way. The representative of an aircraft factory said: “Many of our workers are women whose husbands are in the forces. We are going to tell Sir Stafford Cripps that if he wants Halifaxes turned out, he must see that Mosley stays in.” Two other delegates declared their intention of staying in the Home Office until they had seen the Home Secretary. Relays of six delegates remained outside the Home Office to give their comrades backing while the rest of the delegates went to Trafalgar Square to hold a meeting.