HC Deb 15 June 1920 vol 130 c1054
44. Mr. MALONE

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the mass meetings of British workers held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Grosvenor Square to protest against the Polish intervention in Russia; what is the number of mounted police, inspectors, police constables, plain clothes officers, and troops employed at or in the vicinity of these meetings; whether the meetings have been conducted in an orderly manner; and, if so, what is the reason for the presence of large forces and are they likely to provoke disturbances?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

I have heard of certain meetings at the times and place mentioned, but according to my information they are certainly not mass meetings of British workers. The number of police employed is, I am informed, about 30; no troops have been present. Violent and inflammatory language has been used by some of the speakers; and it has been necessary to have a sufficient force of police present to prevent any disorder or any attempt to intimidate or annoy the representatives of a Friendly Power.

Mr. MALONE

Is it true that the police are now armed?

An HON. MEMBER

No, they are not.

Commander BELLAIRS

Is there any reason why this meeting should not be diverted to Hyde Park instead of being held for the special purpose of annoying the Polish Embassy?

Mr. SHORTT

That also is a matter for the Commissioner of Police.