Sweeping powers to crush semi-military organizations are granted to the authorities under a public order bill introduced in Commons by the Government yesterday and published tonight.
The measure, evidently aimed particularly at Sir Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts, prohibits the existence of uniformed forces with political aims and makes the wearing of uniforms by such organizations a punishable offense. Rising anti-Jewish provocations in London’s East End and elsewhere forced presentation of the measure.
The bill also provides:
Organizations training to usurp the functions of the police and military forces are outlawed and their property disposable by the direction of the court.
Police are given the right to search premises with a warrant on suspicion of an offense by member of such organization.
Police are empowered to prohibit or alter the routes of processions if it is feared that disorder may be caused.
Any person possessing an offensive weapon while present at a public meeting or procession is guilty of an offense.
Any person using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior with intent to provoke a breach of the peace is guilty of an offense.
The bill sets penalties for summary convictions up to $500, fine of six months’ imprisonment, or after indictment $2,500 fine or two years’ imprisonment.
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