SHARP COMMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 275, 20 November 1943, Page 5

SHARP COMMENT

RELEASE OF MOSLEY GOVERNMENT DECISION RESENTED

(By Telegraph—Press /.aeocintlon—Copyright) Recd. 9.30 p.m. London, Nov. 19. “If the Government believed the country would accept its decision to release Sir Oswald Mosley without question it misread the public mind,” says the Daily Herald in a leader. Mosley may have been a very feeble imitation of Hitler and Mussolini, but he did try to organise in Britain a uniformed Fascist organisation, and he did preach the poisonous doctrines against which democracy is still waging a mortal struggle. Mosley was detained in the nation’s name, and his release must have the nation’s agreement.”

A deputation, said to represent i about 20,000 London factory workers, visited 10 Downing Street and the Home Office and handed in a petition protesting against th? release of Sir Oswald Mosley, which was described as “a gross betrayal of the cause for which the United Nations are fighting and a stab in the back to the British people.” Numbers of workers at Manchester passed a resolution against Mosley’s release. The Minister received a large number of protests by telegraph from the provinces.

The General Executive Council of the Transport and General Workers’ Union passed the following resolution: “The council has heard with alarm and dismay the Home Secretary’s decision to release Sir Oswald and Lady Mosley. The council presses for reconsideration of the decision, regarding this as a grave reflection and an insult to the Fighting Services who are making such sacrifices in the interests of freedom and democracy. Having regard for Sir Oswald Mosley’s past record, the council feels there is no justification whatever for the release, which will be regarded by the British people, who have made such efforts to defeat Fascism, as an indication that the Government Is wavering in its adherence to the principles for which we are fighting and at the same time playing down to those traitorous elements with which Sir Oswald Mosley has been asso- 1 dated.”

The Home Secretary, Mr Herbert Morrison, acting on medical grounds, suspended the detention order which was made against Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Fascist Union, in May, 1940, under the Defence Regulations, and authorised his release subject to certain security conditions Lady Mosley, who has been similarly detained since June, 1940, is also being released subject to restrictions.