ABSTRACT
The most fundamental readjustment of the British government to the exigencies of the second World War was the reestablishment of the "cabinet dictatorship" of 1916-1919. The activities of the government at the outbreak of war paralleled closely those of 1914. The Emergency Powers Act of May 22, 1940, passed at the moment when the German assault in the west was at its highest pitch, put into the hands of the government an almost "complete control over persons and property". The most radical invasion of a cherished English liberty was the tremendous potential restriction of freedom of person authorized by defense regulation 18B. 18B was a severe break with the traditions of British liberty, and even though it was used with evident circumspection by Home Secretary Herbert Morrison, it was bitterly and repeatedly attacked on the floor of Commons, as well as in several dissenting court opinions.
