QUICK ROUND-UP

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 112, 13 May 1940, Page 11

QUICK ROUND-UP

ENEMY ALIENS

ACTION IN BRITAIN

SPECIAL PRECAUTION

LONDON, May 12,

The most sweeping measures yet taken by the British Government for the internal security of Great Britain ■were carried out today at lightning speed. The police in about 30 counties covering the eastern half of England and Scotland have rounded up 3000 male enemy aliens between the ages of 16 and 60 and sent them to internment camps.

This action was taken on orders by the Home -Secretary. He has. also imposed drastic restrictions on the movements in the same area of all male foreigners "between the ages of 16 and 60 irrespectivu of their, nationality. These non-enemy aliens, numbering about 11,000; must report to the police daily, not be o: t of doors between 8 p.m.. and 6 a.m.,. must not use. any motor vehicles except public conveyances; and must not use bicycles. Among the 'enemy aliens, only invalids and the infirm are exempt from internment. , Non-enemy aliens may be exempted by the police' if the national interests are not affected.

The; official, statement says it is recognised that it will be .regretted that the measures will involve for a period great hardship in individual cases, but it is intended to mitigate the rigour of these measures as soon as circumstances allow. 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 / rifles and ammunition.