THE NEW GUARD

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 May 1932, Page 5

THE NEW GUARD

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS ENQUIRY TO BE MADE. .Press Association Electric Telegraph—Copyright CANBERRA, Thursday. In the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) announced that a Federal Royal Commission would be appointed without delay to investigate allegations that members of the Defence Department were associated with the New Guard, and also to enquire into charges made in the New South Wales Assembly that the Garden assault was a “political frame-up.”

Mr Lyons made the announcement on a motion of adjournment moved by Mr Beasley, wlio complained of New Guard activities in the Defence Department, its object being to overthrow,constitutional government. Mr Lyons described Mr Beasley’s speech as propaganda to help Mr Lang. Nevertheless, the Commonwealth would not be associated with any organisation, unlawful or illegal. He emphasised that it had not been, shown that the New Guard was illegal. He had the assurance of the Secretary of the Defence Department that it was in no way associated with the New Guard. A DISCLAIMER. (Received Friday, 8.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Colonel Erie Campbell, leader of the “New Guard,” disclaims all knowledge of the documents seized by police raids. He adds: “At the same time, the ‘New Guard’ would be utterly ineffective, as a body supporting law and order, unless it had full information concerning arms and ammunition, as well as full details of the essential services.” THE GARDEN AFFAIR. SYDNEY, Thursday. Mr Lang announced to-night that he had appointed Mr Laidlaw, Stipendiary Magistrate, to enquire into Mr Weaver’s allegations in the Assembly yesterday of conspiracy involving tlie police in the Garden assault affair. The police have asked for an enquiry.