Passing the time of day - Brit style
As anybody living in a nationalist area of the six occupied
counties knows only too well it is common practice of the British
army to harass people in the streets by asking them numerous
personal details such as their date of birth. This is despite the
fact that under the ``Emergency Provisions Act'' a ``suspect'' is
required to give nothing further than their name, address and
where they are going to and coming from.
As we reported in last week's AP/RN in Belfast's Twinbrook Estate
the Brits/RUC have been going around with forms recording
people's name, address, employer, car details, telephone number,
religion and date of birth. Whilst in Derry City the Brits have
taken to asking such questions to so great an extent that last
week local people complained bitterly and publicly about it. In
particular motorists at the Foyle Road checkpoint who have
refused to answer detailed personal questions have been branded
as ``unco-operative'' and taken into the barracks for further
questioning.
In a statement to the news media an imaginative Brit PRO claimed
that these allegations are ``totally wrong''!
``We knew that on a few occasions some soldiers have asked these
questions but it is only to make conversation - they realise they
can in no way demand an answer.
``People don't have to answer questions about their date of birth
or occupation, and it is definitely not true that they are being
brought in for further questioning if they refuse to do do.
``Sometimes I recieve complaints from the public that soldiers
have been asking these questions, but I have to explain to them
that they are merely trying to pass the time of day''.
So next time a Brit asks you your date of birth or occupation you
know what to say - as long as you've got the next four hours to
spare ``passing the time of day'' in the nearest Brit barracks!
Phoblacht 25 November 1978
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)