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Shinwell Slaps M.P. in Commons for Taunt, “Go Back to Poland”

April 5, 1938
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The House of Commons was thrown into an uproar today when Emanuel Shinwell, Laborite, rushed across the floor and slapped Commander R.T. Bower, Conservative, for telling him to “go back to Poland.”

Shinwell, a Jew, was questioning Foreign Undersecretary Richard A. Butler when Bower interrupted with his remark. The Jewish member, after resoundingly slapping Bower’s face, turned to the Speaker, apologized and left the House. Bower subsequently apologized to the House, stating that if Shinwell had had the courtesy to remain, he would have apologized to him as well.

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