§ 65. Mr. Horabinasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that under the cover of darkness, the British Union of Fascists are painting on walls in various parts of London the slogan "Stop the War"; that meetings have been held by the same organisation in various quarters of London protesting against the war and 520 suggesting that anyone who assisted the nation in the prosecution of the war is serving no useful purpose; and, as the large majority of people take offence at speeches of this kind at a time when their relations are serving overseas, especially as such speeches are made on loud-speakers and therefore it is impossible to avoid hearing them, will he take steps to stop these practices which are likely to lead to breaches of the peace?
§ 84. Briģadier-General Spearsasked the Home Secretary whether he has received reports of the speeches made at "Stop the War" meetings of the British Union of Fascists; and whether, in view of the subversive nature of these, he proposes to take any action?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe activities of certain small groups of people, not all of the same persuasion, who are seeking to misrepresent the national policy take various forms, including open-air speeches at which loud speakers are occasionally used, the writing of notices on walls, the distribution of leaflets, and so on. I recognise that these activities are strongly resented, but the fact that such deep and widespread offence is caused is some indication of the ineffectiveness of these mispresentations. The activities in question are being carefully watched with a view to appropriate action where the circumstances call for it.
Mr. MontaģuWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that apart from the childish defacement of walls, we are living in England and not in Germany or Russia?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir.