MOSLEY'S FASCISM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18579, 13 December 1934, Page 13

MOSLEY'S FASCISM

ATTITUDE IN ENGLAND DOCTOR’S OBSERVATIONS Observations on the outlook in Great Britain with particular reference to the place Fascism occupies in the English scene to-day were made by Dr. Ivan IS. Wilson, of Palmerston North, who returned this week after a nine months’ tour abroad. Dr. Wilson said he was present at the famous meeting in Olympia, London, at which Sir Oswald Mosley’s Black Shirts came into conflict with interjecting political antagonists and which resulted m a number of prosecutions. The great hall was densely thronged and as Sir Oswald Mosley made his way up the centre to the platform there were shouts of “Hail Mosley!” and thousands of hands were upraised in the characteristic salute of Fascism. As he strode through the hall spotlights were thrown upon him, making a very theatrical show of it all. When the British Fascist leader began to speak he was subject to a fire of interjection. Ilis Black Shirts lost no time in coining into conflict with the interrupters, whom they handled severely. Many were injured and there was much disorder. Sir Oswald Mosley finally made his policy speech, the sentiments of which were Britain for the British, the home market for British farmers first, for the Dominions second, and the foreigner last. He appeared to be opposed to the existing financial institutions, which lie freely criticised.

PUBLIC INDIFFERENCE “My impression of Fascism in England, after observing something of it myself and talking with nnmerons people,” said Dr. Wilson, “is that there is a lot of money behind it and it is spectacular. But the general mass of the people are indifferent to the movement. This theatrical business does not appeal Co them. I don’t think tho movement will come to anything. The only thing is that Sir Oswald Mosley’s organisation might be a. useful nucleus for counter measures in event of a Communist uprising. Sir Oswald Mosley has not the confidence of the people of England; they won’t ‘cotton’ to that sort of thing. In iny opinion there is no likelihood of a Communist outbreak. English people are a very stable lot and they just jogi along.” ■ . Dr. Wilson said that on his arrival m the United Kingdom and during the next few weeks lie was conscious of a certain antipathy to France, probably because she declined to assist in general disarmament. lie could not help noticing a feeling of sympathy Toward 'Germany. "Then all in a night these feelings were reversed,” said Dr. Wilson. “When the horror of Hitler’s massacre of his former colleagues' and political opponents was made known the reaction was dramatic and complete. Any sympathy with Germany in her efforts to rehabilitate herself were turned into feelings of revulsion with all things pertaining to Hitler and his methods.”