GRAVE FEARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21601, 23 March 1932, Page 8

GRAVE FEARS

RIVAL FORCES IN N.S.W,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, March IT,

It came as a surprise to most people to learn that when the Prime Minister (Mr Lyons) expressed his determination not to countenance or permit unauthorised military formations in any part of Australia he was hitting just as much at the New Guard in Sydney as at the Communists. Owing to the wild statements that have been made by the leader of the New Guard that organisation has received more than its share of prominence during the past week or so, but there is no doubt that its members have been engaged in secret in some form of drilling. For what? They say that they are preparing to help the police should the Communists get the upper hand, but as that seems to be a most unlikely happening it is felt that there must be some other motive. Communists drill regularly, but now Mr Lang is in power their’ operations are less secretive than was formerly the case. What the Government fears most of all is a clash between the Communists and the New Guard.

Because of the deep concern that is felt the Commonwealth has made full preparations to meet any situation that might arise. A special scheme has been evolved under the P.cace Officers Act, and under this it will be possible to swear in special Federal constables. The Commonwealth Investigation Branch has been making special inquiries, and, as a result, a new organisation has been set on foot. It is feared in some quarters that if a clash did eventuate the State police would not bo able to deal with it, and that only Federal officials could adequately meet the situation. It will come as a shock to the New Guard if their organisation is included in the description of unlawful associations that it is proposed to include in the amendment to the Federal Crimes Act. The New Guard sets itself up as the most lawful organisation in existence, the idea being to suppress all organisations that do not acknowledge loyalty to the King and Empire. However, if tlie New Guard is stirring up trouble in the community where no trouble exists it can find little excuse for continuing to exist. In these days any provocative action is to be deplored, and this may be the view of the Prime Minister.