The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1915. DOUBLE ALLEGIANCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 13, 15 May 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1915. DOUBLE ALLEGIANCE.

One very good reason why naturalise tiou cannot always lie accepted as evidence of loyal intention to stand honestly by the country of their adoption on the' part of Germans, is that the deep cunning for which Germany has now become notorious, has provided in her citizenship law for a system of double allegiance which is inconsistent with the principles of real nationalisation. The German law declares that "Citizenship is not lost by any one who, before acquiring foreign citizenship, has secured on application the written consent of the competent authorities of his home State to retain his citizenship." In other words The German alien remains an alien under these, circumstances, but is quite possibly also an accredited spy- These are'not times when we can afford to l,e too considerate: there is too much at stake. Discussing this particular) point the Knglish Review says the German idea of citizenship "has, in the past, admirably served the designs of those Germans who, while appearing to have adopted their new nation-, nlity heartwhole, have done so solely'! for the object of serving the Fatherland in capacities of which we have had, in both France and England, only too many lamentable instances." Ln introducing the new Nationality Bill, Dr. Selbruck openly stated that the large majority of Germans who emigrate "go with the object of serving their country economically and politically." He also remarked that there are cases where a German citi- ( y.en abroad may have an interest in acquiring side by side with his old na-, tionality a new nationality the possession of which would still allow of his usefully representing the interests of his obi Fatherland. The abounding proof of Gorman treachery on all hands compels grave suspicion, and makesnecessary the greatest caution. A

double allegiance is impossible, and in recognition of this France has passed an Act which permits her to rescind nationalisation certificates at will, and Australia is moving in a similar direction. The law in all British Stales should be amended by declaring naturalisation to be a privilege extended only to those who by the laws of their own country arc permitted to divest themselves of their former nationality and take up that of Britain. Otherwise let them openly remain aliens: Britain and her Dependencies have given wide refuge to such in the past, and will continue to do so in the future, but neither the .Motherland nor her daughters are in the mood to stand any nonsense from aliens at this time. They must hear in mind that British blood is being shed like water incidentally that they may still wax fat and live in peace and plenty Under the glorious freedom of th* British Hag.