I.R.A. PLOTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23894, 23 August 1939, Page 18

I.R.A. PLOTS

"GUY FAWKES" PLAN FOREIGN POWER'S INTEREST SIR S. HOARE'S REVELATIONS (From Our'Own Correspondent* LONDON, July 25. Sir Samuel Hoare's disclosure of the I.R.A. plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and his. information that the terrorist campaign was being closely watched and actively stimulated by a foreign Power made sensational news this week. The Home Secretary's statement was made when he moved the second reading of the Prevention of Violence (Temporary Provisions) Bill, and it answered doubts as to the extent of Ihe powers proposed to be granted. Objections had been raised to a Government department being invested with powers of exile, imprisonment and search without a warrant. The proposals are to operate for two years. The House listened to Sir Samuel's revelations in silence, when he referred to the olot to blow up Parliament, however, members adopted what The Times referred to as a " light mood." "The announcement," said one observer, " caused that sort of reaction which makes the British people incomprehensible in foreign eyes. At the revelation that their own House "was in danger M.P.s seemed slightly peeved, evidently relying on the futility of any one succeeding where Guy Fawkes failed. , " Then the humour of the situation was too much. At Sir Samuel's crescendo of terror, ending with the destruction of their premises, some solid and responsible members shouted, 'Hear, hear! ' There was a loud burst of laughter in which numberless M.P.S shouted words such as.'A good idea!' 'We would get a new building!' ' There would be more room!'"