FOREIGNERS IN BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 195, 14 May 1940, Page 8

FOREIGNERS IN BRITAIN

Drastic Restrictions In Prescribed Area MALE ENEMY ALIENS INTERNED Temporary Precautions (British Official Wireless.) (Received May 13, 7.5 p.m.) RUGBY, May 12. Tlie temporary internment of all German and Austrian males between the ages of 16 and 60 years who arc in a prescribed area Jias been authorized by the Home Secretary. The area to which the measure applies comprises the eastern half of Britain from Morayshire to the Isle of Wight, but excludes the Metropolitan Police District.

Ah additional order has also been ma'de imposing an obligation on all alien men, other than Germans, and Austrians, between the ages of 1G and 60 living in a prescribed area to report daily to the police. They arc also forbidden to use bicycles or private motorvehicles and are not allowed out between 8 p.m. and 6 a.jn. Publishing these restrictions, the Home Office states: “These measures are to be considered measures of urgency applied to areas where, for military reasons, special precautions are required for the time being. “It is recognized an'd much regretted that these necessary measures will involve a period of great hardship in individual cases. Those persons affected by them and who in fact are faithff.il to the vital interests of this country will give the best proof of their attitude by submitting freely and uncomplainingly to the restrictions which the exigencies of the situation for the moment require, it is intended that the rigour of these measures shall be mitigated as soon a.s circumstances permit."

One reason given for these precautions is that they are essential to prevent any assistance to German troops who may land by parachute. As another precaution against parachute landings, parties of soldiers have been put on special duty at numbers of places, and all strategic points heavily guarded by barbed wire. In some towns even non-commissioned officers when off duty are carrying rilles and aminuuilion.