A suggestion by Rev. R.W. Sorensen, Laborite, that the House of Commons adopt legislation providing for legal penalties for persons engaging in anti-Semitic agitation was rejected yesterday by Home Minister Herbert Morrison. “While we are alive to the potential dangers of anti-Semitic prejudice, it would be contrary to the Government’s policy to afford preferential treatment and protection to one section of the community,” Morrison said.
Replying further to Rev. Sorensen’s proposal, which was motivated by the recent increase in anti-Semitic propaganda in Britain, the Home Minister stated that “appropriate action will be taken against law-breakers.”
Earlier, Brenden Bracken. Minister of Information, had opposed a suggestion by Commander Oliver Locker-Lampson, Conservative, that “the case for the Jews be broadcast over a weekly B.B.C. program for domestic consumption, since they are the one minority which the Nazis and Fascists have specifically designated for attack and persecution.” Mr. Bracken declared that “the Jewish citizens of Great Britain need no defense against these stale lies,” adding that they are playing a large part in the war effort.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
