British Fascist Groups Using Election Campaing to Spread Anti-jewish Propaganda

British fascist groups, including former members of Sir Oswald Mosley’s outlawed British Union of Fascists, are using anti-Jewish literature and slogans in support – usually unsolicited – of Conservative candidates for Parliament, elections for which will be held on July 5.

Conservative campaign managers in the East London borough of Bethnal Green, for instance, have been somewhat embarrassed by the open support of the Mosleyites, which they have demonstrated by painting Tory slogans across the windows of Jewish shops, the headquarters of the Labor candidate and the offices of the Communist Party.

A Labor Party election official who wrote a letter to the newspapers protesting against the fascist activities had the words "Perish Judah" inscribed in red paint on the windows of his office. The district campaign manager of the Conservative Party expressed his regret, stressing that he and his party were not responsible. But despite repudiation by Conservative spokesmen, the fascists are continuing to distribute anti-Jewish and anti-Soviet literature.

Meanwhile, Sir Wavell Wakefield, Conservative candidate in the West End distriot of Marylebons, aroused liberal groups by declaring in a campaign speech that he favored the return of refugees to their homelands in order that the houses they occupy may be used for returning servicemen. After protests were received by Conservative headquarters, Sir Wavell issued a statement explaining that he meant only refugees who had homelands to return to, and "this obviously would not apply to people who do not have such homes and whose countries of origin might still be regarded as hostile or unwelcome."