THE "FIFTH COLUMN"

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1940, Page 6

THE "FIFTH COLUMN"

The drastic steps which have been taken in Great Britain against aliens are the necessary reaction to the methods of warfare practised by Germany under the Nazi regime. The invasion of Norway provided an example of the dangers to which the nations of Europe are exposed by the so-called "fifth-column" activities of the common enemy, and today, if to a leaser extent, the peoples of the Low Countries are being confused and hampered in the defence of their cherished liberties by the actions of the enemy within. No nation can afford to take risks in meeting the Nazi menace, and still less those countries where the liberty of the individual is a reality. Great Britain has in the past opened its doors generously to the oppressed of all nations and of all political beliefs, and no doubt in the present and in the future will continue to champion the cause of freedom and liberty. . But there has come a time when the first consideration must be the safety and security of her own people, when stern measures must be taken to ensure that the tolerance she has displayed in her treatment of the nationals of other countries is not abused.

Having decided on that course, Britain has acted quickly, and the steps which were announced yesterday, while still showing a great measure of tolerance and a desire to interfere to the minimum extent with the liberty of individuals who may have no hostile intentions, should'be effective. As the Home Office statement emphasised, aliens who are faithful to the vital interests of the country of their adoption will submit willingly to the restrictions, which, if firm, are not unduly oppressive in the circumstances. The temporary internment of all German and Austrian males between the ages of 16 and 60 years is a precautionary measure, dictated by the needs of the present situation, and should go aij long way towards preventing a repetition in Great Britain of recent happenings in Norway and the Low Countries/ In New Zealand, fortunately, the problem is a small one compared with that in Great Britain. Already, as Mr. Nash said in Auckland last night, some Germans have been interned, and known Nazi sympathisers will be dealt with in a similar manner. There is here no reason for alarm. The Government, with the machinery which it has at its disposal, may be relied upon to take whatever steps are considered necessary to the public safety both promptly and firmly.