PEER’S PROTEST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20618, 20 November 1941, Page 9

PEER’S PROTEST

MR. MORRISON’S POWER DUKE OF BEDFORD CASE “PESTILENTIAL” VIEWS (Reed. Nov. 19, 2.40 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. Lord Ponsonby declared in the House of Lords that he is very sure that he is under observation by the Home Secretary, Mr. Herbert Morrison. Lord Ponsonby said that Mr. Morrison’s remark last month that he is “interested” in the activities of the Duke of Bedford, though he had not detained him, was irrelevant and that there were other members of the House of Lords who might be included in Mr. Morrison’s remark. “I ask for some protection against this method of insinuation and attack,” said Lord Ponsonby. “Mr. Morrison seems intent on putting the finishing touches on his Gestapo and getting it more into the Himmler model, but I think there is sufficient opinion in Britain to show a great dislike for such methods. Mr. Morrison has completely disregarded his advisory recommendations in about 100 cases. This absolutely unfettered discretion is a danger, and the very fact that people can be removed by a nod from Mr. Morrison is a danger that should be dealt with before it goes further.” The Lord Chancellor, Viscount Simon, replying, said: "Lord Ponsonby was in error when he said that Mr. Morrisons’ observations were wholly irrelevant. The Duke of Bedford has gone to pains to circulate his opinions in quarters where they might be received. I regard those opinions as utterly irresponsible and completely pestilential, but the Duke of Bedford is fortunate that he is a British subject. I hope the House will agree that it is just possible to make a little overmuch of these things in time of war and that we ha'd better get on with our work.”