ACUTE TENSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 244, 15 October 1936, Page 7

ACUTE TENSION

EAST END TROUBLE ATTEMPTED ARSON AT FASCIST HEADQUARTERS 1 [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 13. " Symptomatic of the most acute tension prevailing in the East End, two men dashed up in a motor-car at the Fascist head- ’ quarters at Bethnal Green, at 3 o’clock in the morning, showered paraflin on the front door, set it on fire, and decamped. A man ' trying to intercept them was hit t on the head with a spanner. A family of three occupying the top floor were rescued by neighoours, but the damage was slight. Anti-Fascist demonstrations organised by Communists and others at- , traded large crowds in the East End ’ of London yesterday. A procession formed on Tower Hill and marched to Victoria Park, at the entrance to which and in the park itself it met with some opposition. Scotland Yard states that no serious disorder occurred. After the meeting the demonstrators marched away. During the afternoon an attempt was made to cause damage to property, and some windows were broken in the Bethnal Green area. This disorder was quickly checked by police. In the evening, in Mile End Road, a party of about 100 youths from 16 to 18 years old and wearing black handkerchiefs attacked shops owned by Jews, smashing windows, and, in some cases, stealing goods. The disorderly element disappeared on the arrival of the police. It is stated that 25 shop windows were smashed and a motorcar belonging to a Jewish tailor was set on fire. PROPERTY DAMAGE IN FASCIST CLASHES INSURANCE RATES RISE LONDON, Oct. 13. The fear of further damage to property in clashes between Fascists and Communists has caused a big rise in insurance rates for shops in the East End. There is a rush of people seeking an insurance cover for their premises and stocks. There is widespread unrest after the disturbances, and a growing belief that the Government will feel compelled to prohibit political uniforms. The Communist Party has sent a 1 letter to the Home Secretary (Sir ! John Simon), demanding the prohibition of uniforms, the closing of Fas- " cist “barracks” the dissolution of the 5 “Fascist semi-military organisation," and effective protection of the popu- • lation against attempts by Fascists at 1 hooliganism and violence. The Swansea Corporation has can1 celled the permit for Sir Oswald Mosley's meeting in the Brangwyn Hall, which houses famous British Empire panels painted by Mr. Frank Brangwyn. They are insured for £20,000, but it is feared they would be damaged if a disturbance occurred. ANOTHER march PLANNED BY FASCISTS Received Oct. 14, 11.55 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 14. Sir Oswald Mosley’s Fascists are planning another march to ; the East End to-night. Police are taking elaborate precautions. Three thousand will be on duty in the area and specials have been warned to be ready to take over traffic duties in the suburbs in case of emergency.