ALIENS LET GO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 304, 1 October 1940, Page 8

ALIENS LET GO.

RELEASED TO WORK FOR BRITAIN. One hundred 'and fifty aliens released from internment on the Isle of Man Avere landed at a north England port - recently. They Avere the first contingent to leave the island since control of the camps there passed from the War Office to the Home Office. Included among them Avere 50 professional men. They have all been released so that they may continue - ’ important Avork for Great Britain. Friendly residents of the island bade the aliens fareAvell as their ship left. Women and children carried bunches of flowers and Avore gay handkerchiefs on their heads.

A released Austrian said“We formed our own committees, organised games and found teachers to lead study circles on all sorts of subjects. We got bathing parties together, and went swimming under guard. Sometimes we played clock golf competitions.”

The camps consist of hoardinghouses surrounded by barbed Avire. There are 30 men in each house, most of Avhicli haA r e pianos. The “Daily' Herald” says that the Home Office took a special census Avhich Avill provide the first complete record of interned aliens.. “Though the Home Office was formerlv responsible for rounding up aliens,” it adds, “the War Office took charge of the camps. “In the resulting confusion officials lost track of 1000 aliens, and it Avas discovered that many supposed to he in British camps, had been shipped abroad, Avhile dangerous aliens Avho Avere to be deported Avere still in Great Britain. “In many instances identities Avere changed. Wealthy aliens paid others to take their places, and others Avere transported by mistake. The Home Secretary will iioav have to consider the recall from Canada and Australia of many aliens sent there in error:”