A POSSIBLE DANGER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 May 1940, Page 8

A POSSIBLE DANGER

ALIEN DOCTORS IN NEW ZEALAND SHOULD NOT BE FREE. WARNING VOICED FROM AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph—Press Association., AUCKLAND. May 28. "We have no personal quarrel with alien practitioners settled among us: in fact, we are genuinely sympathetic to them, as is shown by many of them having been elected members of the British Medical Association and made welcome in other, ways. We know that through no fault of their own they have been expelled from their country. However, that country is Germany, and today we are at war with Germany.” This statement was made by Sir Carrick Robertson, president of the Auckland branch of the 8.M.A., in an interview expressing agreement with statements made recently by Mr Allan Moody, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board. “It is common knowledge,” said Sil - Carrick, “that the overwhelming of certain countries has been substantially helped by the ‘fifth column.’

“We do not suggest that all, or any of these aliens are spies, but what •we do know is that their roots for generations have been nurtured on German soil, and it is difficult to believe that just because of their mass expulsion during a political upheaval they are not at the bottom of iheir hearts loyal to Germany. We can think no less of them for having these feelings, but now that we are in dire danger we say it is not right that such people should be free to circulate among us. We know that in the course of their work they must gain confidences of all kinds from all sorts of people.” Sir Carrick Robertson added that an increasing number of German doctors were being allowed to settle in New Zealand and a steadily increasing number of patriotic practitioners were leaving to serve abroad. More than 100 were in full war service, but there were now 50 German doctors in the Dominion.

“When the war is over our kith and kin will return to find their places taken by men of the very 'race they went forth to fight,” said Sir Carrick. “Surely this"is a monstrous thing.” Sir Carrick added that his opinions were supported by a large and representative body of practitioners in Auckland.