ALIENS IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2697, 17 February 1916, Page 6

ALIENS IN AUSTRALIA

■'; THE SYSTEM,

Thei'mode-of-'dealing with alien enemies <ind with/enemy interests in Aus'•tralia, was briefly sketched by Mr \V Pi).- Conley, manager of the "Sydney Worning Herald," in a conversation iivith a "New Zealand Herald" reporter practically, he said, all. unnaturalised uermaus in tlio Commonwealth were interned soon after the commencement of the war. Besides tin's, Australia. has had to provide for the custody' of considerable numbers of aliens who were deported from places in the Far East, such '. as Singapore. The prisoners' from the German warship Emden, who. were captured after that vessel's career was ended by the cruiser Sydney, have also &een provided for on Australian soil.. The treatment of naturalised .aliens has teen more discriminating'.' Those whoso character and loyalty to-the British flag could be guaranteed have been left at liberty, but any whose antecedents or behaviour were doubtful, or \rho were Under strong suspicion of with the enemy, were placed in custody..... Enemy interests in Australian' companies, have been, seriously taken in 'Land. Uijder legislation passed by the OFoderal Parliament, all such holdings lia've .been placed in the bonds of receivers, their final destination to be an open question until the termination of the war. The Commonwealth Prime Minister, the Hon.'W.M.'Hughes, recently '• announced a more drastic scheme, Under which all alien, interests in companies were to be absolutely sold. A 6, however, it was found that, snah procedure would lead to. serious complications in the business of such companies, the more modorate coureo of resort fro the receiver system was adopted.