GERMANS FROM SAMOA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 29 November 1939, Page 14

GERMANS FROM SAMOA

INTERNMENT IN N.Z. PROTECTIVE MEASURE NAZI PARTY LEADERS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. As a protective measure 15 German nationals have been brought from the mandated territory of Western Samoa for internment in New Zealand. “After consultation with the actingAdministrator of Western Samoa,” said the Minister in charge of External Affairs, the Hon. F. Langstone, last night, the Government decided that, from the point of view, of safety of the territory, it was better to remove these German internees to New Zealand. Included among the internees are the former president and the former secretary of the Samoan branch of the Nazi Party, a local organisation which was dissolved in the early part of 1939. There is also a German school teacher, who recently arrived in Western Samoa, where he opened a German school. “Several other internees are of part Samoan blood, of whom some received their education in Germany and some saw service in the German Army or Navy. The utmost consideration has been given to their comfort and to their social needs, and special arrangements have been made to mitigate the effect of the colder climate ef New Zealand on their physical well-being.

“The period of internment will be indefinite and. at a later date, consideration will be given to the question of releasing them on parole or returning them to their homes."