§ 50. Sir A. Knoxasked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take in view of the intention of the Peace Pledge Union to start a national campaign on 9th March to end the war at once, in view of the fact that such action is disloyal, both to our men who are fighting and to our Allies?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am informed that this organisation has made arrangements to hold a public meeting at the Queen's Hall on 9th March, in furtherance of the campaign which it has been conducting since the outbreak of war. As I stated in the reply which I gave on 22nd February to my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington, South (Sir W. Davison), the activities of this organisation are being carefully watched.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs my right hon Friend aware that this announcement has been made since his reply a week ago, and does he think that permission to carry out this campaign will contribute towards the conduct of the war?
§ Sir W. DavisonWill my right hon. Friend say whether the Government are prepared to allow a society of this kind to conduct an open campaign contrary to the expressed policy of the Government which has been approved in this House by all parties?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe declared policy of this; House is that there should not be any unnecessary interference with freedom, and my duty is to see whether any particular activity infringes the law.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that those of us on 2246 this side who want to see the war vigorously and successfully concluded do not in any way wish to interfere with liberty?
§ Sir Joseph LambWill my right hon. Friend consider carefully what effect it will have on the minds of people in other countries?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat consideration will be taken into account.
§ Mr. ManderAre not the by-election figures the best answer to that?
§ Mr. LeachIs the right hon. Gentleman of the opinion that any attempt to end the war must be disloyal?