BRITISH ARRESTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20255, 24 May 1940, Page 5

BRITISH ARRESTS

SIR OSWALD MOSLEY LEADERS OF FASCISTS POSSIBLE DANGER SECURITY OF STATE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Aasn.) (Reed. May 24, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, May 23. It is officially stated that the police have arrested Sir Oswald Mosley and eight leaders of the Fascist Union. In the House of Commons the Speaker announced that the Home Secretary, Sir John Anderson, had informed him that he had ordered the detention of Captain A. H. M. Ramsay, the Conservative member for Peebles, who had accordingly been

taken to Brixton prison. The Speaker said that Captain Ramsay had been arrested under regulation 18b. This regulation says that detention may be ordered on suspicion of a person “of hostile origin or associations, or recently concerned m acts prejudical to public safety or defence, or in preparation or instigation of such acts.” The Duke of Devonshire said in the House of Lords that a considerable number of British nationals had been arrested to-day. Number Detained Sir John Anderson said in the House of Commons that after Parliament granted the new powers last night he gave instruction for the detention of a number of persons whose names would be revealed as soon as the orders were carried out. “The action was taken because there was a danger that organisations, of which the persons concerned are leading members, might be used for acts prejudicial to the security of the State,” said Sir John. “The Government action was not a result of their propaganda activities. Further action will be taken as circumstances develop. Captain Ramsay was detained under the regulations which existed before last night.” Sir John Anderson said that special steps had been taken to increase arms for the police. It was not intended to make the police a combatant force, but it was desirable that they be armed because they were guarding certain places.