Police to Check Fascist Terrorists in London Simon Tells Commons

Sir John Simon, Home Secretary, asserted in the House of Commons today that the police would take “every possible step” to halt Fascist intimidation of Jews “in this country.”

Replying to questions as the issue of terrorism against Jewish shopkeepers in London’s East End was raised on the floor for the second time, Sir John declared:

“While the source of the offense is difficult to detect and bring home to the offenders, it is intolerable that any section of the population should be subjected to these methods.”

Sir John had received a petition from 1,000 tradesman in the Shoreditch section asking protection from persons, who, they charged, were attempting to destroy their trade. The petition was presented by Ernest Thurtle, Labor M.P., a former New Yorker.

Mr. Thurtle said he had received a letter from the Fascists containing the following threat: “We of the local Fascists are going to smash you by fair means or foul means. Take this as a warning.” The letter was addressed to “Judenized Aryan.”

After denouncing Fascist intimidation in Commons, Mr. Thurtle said: “The tradesmen complain of Jew-baiting. I have received letters from some of them stating that their windows have been smashed.” He added:

“In the petition they point out that men parade up and down Hoxton Streets, shouting such anti-Jewish slogans as “Clear out the Jews from Hoxton’ and ‘The Jews have got your job’ or ‘The Jews have robbed you long enough.”

“I have had a long talk with the Home Secretary, and I think he is in earnest about stopping this stirring up of strife and racial feeling.”