Keeping Watch On Fascism

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1945, Page 6

Keeping Watch On Fascism

(Rec. ; 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 20. An indication that he was considering whether wider legal powers should be obtained to deal with the resurgence of Fascist activity in Britain was given by the Home Secretary (Mr Chuter Ede) in the House of Commons today. Replying to a long series of questions about the activities of Sir Oswald Mosley and supporters, Mr Ede said that the conditions under which Mosley was released from detention ceased to have effect when Defence Regulation 188 was revoked on May 9. The Government was aware of all the risks involved in a revival of Fascist activity and was keeping a dose watch for any manifestations of it. He was not prepared to announce what steps would be taken if the menace became pronounced, but he had no intention that Democracy should be overthrown by truculent minorities. The special branch of Scotland Yard would not exceed its present powers but he did not want to blink the fact that it might be necessary to arm the Home Secretary with greater powers in future.

SENSE OF PROPORTION Mr Ede, at the same time, appealed to Members of the House of Commons to exercise a sense of proportion. He reminded them that they were members of a very ancient Democracy with a great sense of humour.

They should not flatter these people by making them appear more menacing than they were. One of the questioners, Mr T. Levy (C.-Elland) asked whether the Minister would consider appointing a small legal commission to advise in the name of freedom whether men should be allowed to destroy freedom.