Defence Regulations Modified

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1939, Page 6

Defence Regulations Modified

(Received 3 p.m.)

RUGBY, November 29,

It i's generally believed that as a result of modifications introduced after consultation with the committee representing all political parties, the new defence regulations announced yesterday will command substantial agreement. The modifications, which dispense with some of the more drastic powers conferred under the former regulations, illustrate the Government’s confidence in the people and in certain respects emphasise the extent of liberty permitted in war conditions.

Disaffection Clause,

An example of the changes made is in the regulation making it an offence to endeavour to cause disaffection among those engaged in the King’s service. It has been altered by the substitution of the words “seduce from their duty,” since the original wording might cover legitimate propaganda designed to secure better conditions for dependents, etc. The regulation relative to influencing public opinion has also been redrawn, so as to apply only to the use made of false statements, documents or reports. Detention Powers Limited. The Home Secretary’s powers of detention, formerly broad, are now limited to “any person of hostile origin or associations, and any pei’son who he has reasonable cause to believe was recently concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety or the defence of the realm.” The provision enabling the Home Secretary to delegate the function of prohibiting meetings of mayors, justices of tho peace and police officers has been dropped. ’Power to Arrest. In fact, no action regarding meetings lias been taken by the Homo Secretary anywhere since tho war began. The power of arrest given to solcliers, sailors and airmen in uniform is also to be restricted, and tho regulations against sabotage specially exclude strike activities.