HC Deb 18 April 1939 vol 346 cc173-5
63. Mr. Thome

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received from the Metropolitan Police any information in connection with the activities of the Nazi organisation at the Brown House, Wilton Road, Victoria; whether these German subjects have now transferred to the former Austrian Legation in Belgrave Square; how many cells there are operating in various parts of London; can he give any information about the German Labour Front cells operating in London; what information he has about the Nazi dealers and traders who meet in the West Central district; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

The suggestion in the first part of the question appears to be due to the fact that a German national who has business premises in Wilton Road is one of the officials of the Nazi organisation in this country, but, so far as I am aware, these premises have not been used for the purpose of any Nazi activities. As regards the remainder of the question, it would not, in my view, be in the public interest to disclose all the information in my possession, but, as I stated in reply to recent questions, constant and careful attention is given to the activities in this country of these associations, and recently steps have been taken to terminate the stay here of three of the persons connected with these organisations

Mr. Thorne

Has the Home Secretary received a memorandum, printed in German, by a person by the name of Joanna Wolff? Does he know of him? Does he know where he resides? If not, he resides at 28, Cleveland Terrace. May I ask what the right hon. Gentleman intends doing in regard to this pernicious organisation and the pernicious methods of propaganda which it is carrying on?

Sir S. Hoare

The answer to the hon. Member is that we do know this person. The particular individual to whom he refers is a lady. We know all about her activities and the organisation, and we are watching them very carefully.

Mr. Thorne

If the name is that of a lady it is all the worse. I will hand over to the right hon. Gentleman this memorandum printed in German.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will keep a careful watch upon what goes on at the Brown House?

Sir S. Hoare

Certainly, I have said so.

64. Mr. Logan

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the Nazi propaganda carried on by Herr Ernst Lahrmann in Lancashire, and the method of approaching Germans resident in England; that spaces are left on enrolment forms to note refusals to join the Nazi Labour Front; and what action does he intend to take to suppress this propaganda?

Sir S. Hoare

I have certain information about this case and I am making some further inquiries. Pending the completion of these inquiries, I am not in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is public property that there are four sub-centres of activity and propaganda in this land, and that intimidation of even those Germans who have been living here for a long time is very prevalent?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir, I am aware of those facts, probably in greater detail than the hon. Member, and I am watching the matter very carefully.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that there are Members of this House associated with these Nazis in their propaganda?

Hon. Members

Name.