HC Deb 30 May 1940 vol 361 cc652-4
35. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take with reference to the National Freedom League, an organisation engaged in pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic propaganda, and illegally publishing leaflets without an address or publishing office?

Sir J. Anderson

No organisation of this name has so far come under notice.

Mr. Mander

If I can give the right hon. Gentleman details of this organisation will he be good enough to look into them?

Sir J. Anderson

I may find that it is only a well-known organisation masquerading under another name.

42. Mr. Graham White

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received the report on the police raid on the London office of the National and Provincial Anti-Vivisection Society; and, if so, what action he has taken on it?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir. One of the people connected with this Anti-Vivisection Society was an adherent of the British Union of Fascists and was using the office of the society for British Union business. The searching of this office was one of a number of steps taken for the purpose of investigating the activities of the British Union.

66. Dr. Little

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken cognisance of the anti-British activities of an organisation calling itself Information and Policy, which holds weekly meetings under the guise of discussing the relation between agriculture and industry, but which are really held for German propaganda purposes; and whether he will take immediate steps to dissolve this organisation, bring its meetings to a close, and inquire into the antecedents and activities of its members?

64. Mr. Silkin

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a meeting, held on the 23rd May last, at the Alliance Hall, Palmer Street, Westminster, of an organisation calling itself Information and Policy, at which anti-British and pro-Nazi speeches were made; and what action he proposes to take against this organisation?

Sir J. Anderson

I have information about this body, which has been under observation for some time. It would not be right for me to announce beforehand what action it may be necessary for me to take.

Dr. Little

But the right hon. Gentleman will take action?

67. Sir T. Moore

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now declare illegal all organisations and societies whose purpose is calculated to undermine the spirit of our people or their determination to win the war?

Sir J. Anderson

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 23rd May to a Question by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander).

Mr. Thurtle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a matter of great pain to relatives of men fighting overseas now to hear members of these organisations declaring that the men have been fooled and betrayed?

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