§ Mr. ATTLEE (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it was with his authority that the Metropolitan Police ordered the withdrawal of Jewish posters calling for a boycott of Germany and German goods on account of the treatment of Jews in Germany, and, if so, will he state the reasons?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, in view of the feeling likely to be caused by the display of posters advocating a boycott of Germany and German goods, and of the possibility of breaches of the peace being caused, police officers advised the removal of the notices as a precautionary measure and in the interests of the shopkeepers themselves. I am further informed that there is no foundation for the suggestion that orders were given by the police for the removal of the posters or that proceedings were threatened for failure to comply. The police would be failing in their duty to the public if they did not take all steps in their power, whether by advice or otherwise, to guard against breaches of the peace, and no authority from me was given or was required for the action which was taken. I feel sure that the House will agree as to the undesirability of any action being taken at the present juncture by members of the public which might be likely to inflame feeling.
§ Mr. ATTLEEAre we to understand from the Home Secretary that he has information of physical force being threatened by anti-Semitic organisations of this country?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll I can say is that the police used their discretion. These things may occur; and they used their discretion, I think rightly, in the matter.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCan the right hon. Gentleman say from what quarter breaches of the peace were likely to arise?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe right hon. Member knows, and the House knows, that these disturbances may take place, and all that the police did was to say that it was preferable to withdraw the posters.
§ Major NATHANMay I ask whether the police have any grounds for thinking that there were likely to be any disturbances of the peace?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI imagine they have; otherwise, they would not have taken this course in the interests of the public.
§ Mr. JANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman say how any grounds for thinking that there were likely to be any disturbances can have arisen, seeing that these posters have been exhibited for some two weeks without the slightest interference?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware of that fact. All I can say is that my attention was not drawn to this matter until this morning. I have made inquiries. I was not aware that these posters have been exhibited for some time. I have given the House all the information I have.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIn view of these facts, will the right hon. Gentleman withdraw the order?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThere is no order; the matter is left perfectly open.
Commander LOCKER-LAMPSONIs it not the case that the Jews Are in a great minority and that, therefore, we ought to be scrupulously fair?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThere is no question of unfairness. All that was done was to give certain advice which was believed to be in their own interests.
§ Mr. LOGANMay I ask whether any German representations have been made to the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to that is "No."
§ Mr. McENTEEMay I ask whether it can be understood by Jews that they may now exhibit such posters?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf they choose to do so, they are perfectly entitled. Of course they may.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWill my right hon. Friend make it clear that it is his intention, and the intention of the Government, to allow all reasonable expressions of free opinion upon this matter to be made in this country?
§ Sir J. GILMOURCertainly; there is no doubt about it.
§ Mr. THORNEHas the Home Secretary seen one of these posters in the windows? Is he aware that they are simple statements of fact, that no German agents need apply, and that that is all there is in it?