ENEMY ALIENS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1858, 30 July 1918, Page 2

ENEMY ALIENS.

THERE is an agitation afoot in different parts of the Dominion urging the Government to intern all enemy aliens. The matter lias been brought, under the notice of the Acting Premier (Sir James Allen), who last. Friday made the following statement on the subject:—“We do intern enemy aliens,” said Sir James, “when we have any indication at all that they are likely to be dangerous or disloyal to the British Crown, but it is ludicrous to suggest that any Germans, naturalised in New Zealand, who have lived for years and years here in friendliness with the people, may not be thoroughly loyal to the country. I know as a fact that some persons described as Germans are thoroughly loyal. I know the .case of three sons of a man who was born in Germany. Those three sons went (o the front and fought at Massines. They were among the first to move into the open out of the trenches. Two were killed in I hat advance, and one was wounded. A brother of those three soldiers is in the Public Service, and it is suggested that he should be turned oul.” Sir James indicated unmistakably that he would not help to oust such a man merely because his father happened to be a German who had left his country in early life. The Minister mentioned ailed her mise, a German’s son who had fought with remarkable- valour on Gallipoli. This soldier’s feats had won (he admiration of his comrades, who unanimously recommended him for appointment as an ollicer. Referring to the argument dial enemy aliens should be forced to work at military rates of pay. Sir James Alien said that this forcing of persons who were civilians —not prisoners of wai —could not be done. The Government had received advice from the Imperial authorities on (hat matter, and also the aliens had been instructed by their own Governments to refuse to be coerced in this war. Competent prisoners of war could be made to work, but civilian internees were on a different basis. If the New Zealand Government acted in aceordance with much of the unwise advice that was offered so freely, Germany would he provoked to ret alia lion, which, would react against British and Allied internees in Germany. The Minister

spoke emphatically gainst indiscriminate internment, He said Unit such action would bo not only unjust to numbers of people, but would lie foolish and needlessly costly. Persons now working usefully for the community would be withdrawn, and the country would lose not only (heir labour, but would .have to provide a large number of guards. Vague discussions would do more harm than good. Such talk created a feeling against some persons who were thoroughly loyal to New.'Zealand and-were good useful members of the community. If any one had any evidence against an enemy alien they should communicate with the Government, and a thorough investigation would be made immediately.