ABSTRACT
The control of political action is a particularly complex area to examine for, as well as explaining action taken by the government, it is also necessary to assess the limits of this action. Despite a consistent desire to control, there were a number of restraints on government policy. Undoubtedly the most important political opposition -both in terms of numbers and influence - was the communist party of Great Britain, the party affiliated to the Communist international. Its position on the war underwent a number of changes, but it was always viewed with the greatest suspicion in government circles. The Cabinet, however, felt that anti-war propaganda had been relatively harmless up to that time and that prosecutions might do more harm than good. On the other hand, it was agreed that if there were signs of such propaganda having any success then proceedings ought to be brought.
