Fascists and Police

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 73, 27 March 1936, Page 8

Fascists and Police

ALBERT HALL MEETING STATEMENT IN COMMONS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, March 25. The number of police on duty in connection with Sir Oswald Mosley’s meeting in the Albert Hall on March 22 was about 2500, and in addition 200 wero held in reserve, the total estimated cost being £3OO, said Sir John Simon in the House of Commons. Ho added that twenty-four persons had been arrested but none had complained at tho police station of injury and none had asked to see a doctor. At least two policemen were severely kicked. Attempts to hold anti-Faseist meetings nearby in spite of the police prohibition had led to a disturbance and the officer in charge ultimately ordered mounted police to disperse the crowd. In view of attempts to upset the riders truncheons had to bo used. In reply to a question as to the desirability of prohibiting the use of the Albert Hall for such meetings, Sir John Simon said: “We must face the responsibility. We are living in a free country.”