Comb-Out Of Reds In State Services

Northern Advocate, 16 March 1948, Page 3

Comb-Out Of Reds In State Services

ATTLEE ANNOUNCES

LONDON, Mon. (11 a.m.). —Mr Attlee announced in the House of Commons today that the Government had decided not to employ anyone known to be a member of the Communist Party in work “vital to the security of the state.” Mr Attlee said the Government had decided that this was the' “only prudent course.” Anyone legitimately suspect would be subject to the same rule as Communists. So would Fascists. Mr Attlee said many Communists and some fellow-travellers had no loyalty to Britain.

He told Mr Oliver Stanley that he could not estimate how many people would be covered by “this extremely wise precaution,” but the Communists were in a small minority in the civil service and elsewhere. Members cheered when Mr Attlee told Mr P. Piratin (Communist) : “I am well aware that we must deal very carefully with the Communist Party. “I have not forgotten their attitude in 1939 and 1940 and 1941.” Mr Attlee added: “It is not suggested that all Communist Party adherents would forget their primary loyalty to the State.”

Alternative employment on nonsecret work would be found for some people. Others would be dismissed. MEMBERS CHEER

Cheers often interrupted Mr Attlee’s statement.

Mr E. L. Fleming (Conservative) asked: “Would you consider extending this very useful purge to members of •the services on secret work?” Mr Attlee replied: “The general principle applies to all in the state's service where secrecy is involved.” Mr Attlee, replying to further questions, emphasised that the comb-out would be extended to every Government and semi-Government department where secrets must be safeguarded.

He added that, as to the BBC, that was obviously the responsibility of the BBC governors. Members of both sides ox the House shouted angrily when the Communist member, Mr W. Gallacher, began to sing the “Red Flag” after Mr Attlee’s announcement. INSULT, POLLITT SAYS

Mr Harry Pollitt, secretary of the Communist Party, desci'ibed Mr Attlee’s statement as an “insult to the memory of evei'y anti-Fascist who fought against Fascism and a repudiation of the principles for which the war was fought.” Mr Pollitt added that Mr Attlee was attempting to split the civil service and trade unions. The Government’s policy and "un-

principled alliance with United States Imperialism” were rapidly undermining Britain's security. The Government's proposals were political measures to win Tory and Wall Street approval.