FASCISM IN AUSTRALIA

Grey River Argus, 13 December 1940, Page 6

FASCISM IN AUSTRALIA

men being drilled Labour Senator’s Statement EARLY ENQUIRY LIKELY. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received December 12, 11.10 p.m.) CANBERRA, December 12. A startling statement was made in the Senate early this morning that the stage was set and the scene was laid for the launching of Fascism in this country. The author of the statement was the Leader of the Opposition the Labourite, Senator Collings. He declared that he had information to the effect that big firms in Sydney and Melbourne had certain key men, known only by numbers, who have been told that, when the times comes —meaning ostensibly war trouble, said Senator Collings, but, “in my. interpretation, meaning something different —they are to be .ready, at command, to protect their employers’ interests.” Senator Collings went on to say: “Men are being drilled, and armed, for no other purpose than to interfere with Australian firms and the Government.” These men, he added, were called up, by telephone at night in certain outer suburbs to' receive instruction supposedly in Swedish physical culture exercises. Senator Collings expressed his willingness to disclose the names of certain emporiums to which his remarks were directed. The Prime Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, stated to-day that he is prepared to ’have an immediate investigation into Senator Collings’ allegations, if he would furnish particulars. The Government had the very men at its command to undertake the job. Senator Collings undertook to supply details to the investigations.

Employers’ President RIDICULES THE ALLEGATIONS. (Received December 12, 11.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, December 12. Mr. H. G. Hughes, the President of the Employers’ Federation at Sydney, ridiculed Senator Colling’s allegations. He said that employers had given ample and practical proof that they were behind the Government’s war efforts.