COMB-OUT OF REDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22588, 17 March 1948, Page 5

COMB-OUT OF REDS

STATE DEPARTMENTS’ ADVICE danger to security l N.Z.P. A.—Reuter —Copyright.) (10 a.m.) LONDON, March 16. The Government's decision that no known Communist or Fascist is to be retained in employment "vital to the security of the State" follows consultations between the Homo Office, War Office Scotland Yard and law officers of the Crown, says the Daily Tele- ° Detailed reports compiled by < these departments over the yast year, the paper says, have convinced the Government that there is a danger of the country’s security unless certain subversive elements are eliminated from the staffs employed in secret or specialised Government work but. according to the Daily Herald’s political correspondent, the number of persons involved in the comb-out is not likely to be large. . * The classes affected, he says, may include personal secretaries to the Ministers who see all the confidential documents circulated to the Cabinet or hold key positions in defence departments, Ministry of Supply, Home Office and Foreign Office. Labour’s Unflinching Support In a leader, the Daily Herald says the Government's decision will have the Labour movement’s unflinching support. “The Labour movement stands for the right of political parties, however unpopular they may be, to express their opinions with complete freedom and that right is not affected by the Government's decision.” The paper says: "The Communists and Fascists may continue their propaganda in the most violent terms, but their policies are directed towards overthrowing the democratic system by which Britain lives. Such people must not be allowed to possess secrets which, if disclosed to other Powers, would impair Britain’s safety.’’ No Orders from Moscow Professor J. B. S. Haldane, who said he was at present working without payment on two Government scientific sub-committees, told the Daily Express last night that he certainly was a Communist, “as good a Communist as anyone,” but he did not get orders from Moscow.

"If 1 did I would leave the Communist Party forthwith, but sometimes I wish we did get orders from Moscow because I would like to know what they are thinking.” "Dangerous Step” The Government’s decision was a dangerous step which would “drive underground something which, at the moment, is quite open and above board,” said Mr. L. C. White, general secretary of the Civil Service Clerical Association. Nothing could be more unhealthy and dangerous to the national interests, he said. Lady Violet Bonham-Carter, in resigning the patronship of the International Youth Council, said: “I have been aware for some time of the growing Communist tendency within the council.” She and Sir Stafford Cripps founded the council in 1941 as an all-party or non-party body of youths of all nations which would work together for world friendship and peace.

Earlier, the Prime Minister, Mr. Attlee, announced in the House of Commons that the Government had decided not to employ anyone known to be a member of the Communist Party in work “vital to the security of the State.” Mr. Attlee said the Government had decided this was the “only prudent course.” Anyone legitimately a suspect would be subject to the same rule as the Communists and so would the Fascists. Mr. Attlee said that many Communists and some fellow travellers had no loyalty to Britain. Attitude Not Forgotten He told Mr. Oliver Stanley that he could not estimate how many people would be covered by “this extremely wise precaution,” but the Communists were in a small minority in the civil service and elsewhere. Members cheered when Mr. Attlee told Mr. P. Piratin, Communist: “I am well aware we must deal very carefully with the Communist Party. I have not forgotten their attitude in 1939 and 1940 and 1941.” Mr. Attlee added: "It is not suggested that all Communist Party adherents would forget their primary loyalty to the State.”

Alternative employment on nonsecret work would be found for some people. The others would be dismissed. Cheers often interrupted Mr, Attlee’s statement.

Mr. E. L. Fleming (Con.): Would you consider extending this very useful purge to members of the services on secret work? Mr. Attlee replied that the general principle applies to all in the State’s service where secrecy was involved. s Mr. Attlee, replying to further questions, emphasised that the comb-out would be extended to every Government and semi-Government departments where secrets must be safeguarded. "As to the 8.8. C., that was obviously the responsibility of the 8.8. C. governors,” he said. Communist Sings Red Flag

Members of both sides of the House shouted angrily when the Communist member, Mr. J. Gallacher, began to sing the Red Flag after Mr. Attlee’s announcement. Mr. Harry Pollitt, secretary of the Communist Party, described Mr. Attlee's statement as "an insult to the memory of every anti-Fascist who fought against fascism and a repudiation of the principles for which the war was fought.” Mr Pollitt added that Mr. Attlee was attempting to split civil service trade unions “The Government’s policy and “unprincipled alliance with United States imperialism,” were rapidly undermining Britain’s security, he declared The Government’s proposals were political measures to win Tory and Wall Street approval-