CO129-581-16 British propaganda in Hong Kong 18-4-1939 - 29-10-1939 — Page 42

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kapid Legislation.

WEEKLY LONDON LETTER

By Andrew Blackmore.

One of the claims made on behalf of autocratic government is that

it can act more quickly and more effectively than a democracy, The

record of the recent session of the British Parliament tends to

cisprove this. Between the opening of the session in November, 1938,

and the beginning of the summer recess early in August this year, 225

Bills were presented to Parliament, ac of these over 60 became law.

Many of the most important Bills passed this year relate to

defence, and these owe, if not their origin, their speedy accept ance

by Parliament to the annexation by Germany of Czechoslovakia,

act decided the British Government to attempt to prevent further

aggressive acts and Parliament and people readily responded.

That

Fledges of support in case of aggressive attempts against their

sovereignty were given to Greece, Rumania and Poland, the anglo-

Turkish Treaty was signed, and Anglo-Russian negotiations were well

acvanced. Conscription was introduced, and various measures concern-

ing the reserves and auxiliary forces, civil defence, war risks

Į insurance, and a ministry of Supply were quickly passed.

In the financial sphere Bills were passed to meet a combined

civil and defence expenditure of £1,300 million. Branches of shipping

and agriculture were assisted through Government measures, and the

cotton incustry given an opportunity to reorganise itself. Besides

these a host of other Bills, concerned both with defence and the

affairs of normal peaceful development, reached the statute books.

Democracy in Great Britain not only marches on, it moves with

strength, determination, and speed.