London temptations

SIR Thomas McKenzie was recently interviewed by the Empire News, Manchester, on his demand that the State should take steps to protect soldiers from the class of women who hang about the camps and clubs, especially in London. He says that the conditions which are allowed to prevail in London and other large cities are a perfect disgrace. ‘‘When our men arrive on furlough in London they are accosted by loose women on leaving the railway stations. Men have told me that in some cases they had to listen to abusive language from

women with whom they refused to go. I am glad to say, however, that recently an improvement to these conditions has taken place. In the neighbourhood, of Russell square, in which some of our hostels are situated, women congregate, not in tens or twenties, but in hundreds. Our military authorities take every possible precaution to save the men from the evil results of contact. But, notwithstanding all precautions, conditions continue which, to say the least, are a reflection on the authorities of the Home Country.’’