Anti-Fifth Column Work

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 6

Anti-Fifth Column Work

(Received Noon). RUGBY. August 15

Several questions relating to the work and personnel of a committee over which Viscount Swinton is president, appeared on the House of Commons order paper this afternoon, and in reply Mr Churchill made a statement.

“After the dark and vile conspiracy which in a few days laid the trustful Dutch people at the mercy of Nazi aggression." said the Prime Minister, "considerable alarm had been felt in British responsible circles as to whether there were not treacherous agents of the enemy in Britain.” He personally believed such fear was much exaggerated, but. as it appeared that those departments of State whose duty it was to deal with such matters were not working smoothly, he had taken steps to set up a committee to co-ordinate thc-m.

This had resulted in a great improvement in dealing with the fifth column danger, and he was satisfied it had been reduced to its proper proportions, and was being looked after with the highest efficiency. Mr Churchill concluded by saying he felt sure the House would support him in declining, in the public interest. to answer a further question on the subject.