STRANDED ON THE CONTINENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2306, 13 November 1914, Page 6

STRANDED ON THE CONTINENT

EFFORTS TO ASSIST BRITISHERS. Britishers stranded on the Continent- were the subject of a circular issued by the Foreign Office on September 1. The circular is published for general information in this week's Gazette. It says:— Every effort is being made to assist, financially and otherwise, British subjects on the Continent, and His ftlajaeety's diplomatic and Consula officers have received the necessary instructions. ; Arrangements are also, being made for financial railway and steamship- facilities to be-afforded as eoon .as conditions render such a step possible: •

Written, statements- sent : to the Foreign Office with regird to British subjects in neutral .countries will be forwarded to the Consular . officer in whose district they are believed to be. These written communications should contain the following particulars:—' Name of person about whom inquiry is made; age; sex; country where : believed to be; supposed address; name of inquirer; address of inquirer.

As a stato of war now exists ■ with Germany and Austria-Hungary, His Majesty's diplomatic and Consular offioens in those countries can no longer exercise their functions. The United States Government hove, however, been enough to authorise the United btntes Ambassador and Consuls in Germany arid'Austria-Hungary to give protection to British subjects so far ae international law allows. .

Inquiries with regard to British subjects in Germany and. Austria-Hungary should bo addressed to the Foreign Office and not to-, the' United States Embaesy or Consulates, and they should contain the same information as.in the. ca»3 of inquiries respecting British subjects in neutral countries. These inquiries will be sent to the United States Embassy, who will endeavour to communicate. them. to the 'American re-; presentatives in Germany and AustriaHungary, by the best route available, for such action as may be possible. With regard to British subjects in Belgium and Luxemburg, the United States Embassy have agreed to instruct the American Consular representatives in the districts in which His Majesty's diplomatic and Consular officers are no longer able to exorcise their, functions, to do the best thoy can for their welfarft ■ ■''■'....'

It is quite impossible to make special inquiries, either by post or telegraph, aa to tho safety or whereabouts of any particular private individuals either in neutral or enemy countries, whatever may bo their official or other standing. The Foreign Office is also unable to undertake tie transmission of money or letters to private individuals. Persons wishing to transmit funds to relatives or friends abroad should consult their bankers. '

It must be ■ remembered that all postal and telegraphis communication with the Continent ie either totally'interrupted or greatly.delayed. Persons having relatives or friends abroad, especially in allied or neutral States, should not, therefore, bo alarmed if they do. not receive news of . their friends for some time to come. •