WAR NEWS IN BRIEF

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 December 1940, Page 10

WAR NEWS IN BRIEF

ALIENS IN BRITAIN. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, December 3. In a statement in the House of Commons on the Government’s policy relating to the internment of aliens, the Home Secretary (Mr. Herbert Morrison) said that about 8000 internees had been released, and 19,500 were still interned. Against about 4000 of these there was evidence that they were unfriendly towards Britain. Of the 15,500 remaining, the Home Secretary said he hoped that their cases would be dealt with without undue delay and their numbers reduced accordingly. An order made by the Home Secretary on May 21, imposing certain restrictions similar to those applicable to enemy aliens, upon all aliens who came to Britain after May 9 as war refugees, has been revoked. War refugees already in Britain are now subject only to the restrictions which apply to all non-enemy aliens.

BRITISH WAR CABINET RUGBY, December 3. The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. C. R. Attlee) gave a negative reply in the House of Commons to a question asking the Government to revert to the policy of having the War Cabinet entirely composed of Ministers free of departmental duties and responsibilities.

FOOD SUPPLIES RUGBY, December 3. Lord Woolton, broadcasting, said: “When we have taken the. offensive

overseas, the problem of feeding the people of this country will change. We must be prepared not to tighten belts, because that means going short. You will not do that, but will live more simply and have less variety.” The reason, Lord Woolton said, was that he had had to agree to give up a great deal of valuable shipping space. He said: “Our ships in the Mediterranean have something more valuable to do than call at ports and bring in onions, lemons oranges, and grapes.

DETAINED COMMONER. RUGBY, December 3. It was announced in the House of Commons that the Government at a convenient date would, invite the House to approve of the report of the Committee of Privileges on the case of Captain Ramsay M.P., for Midlothian, an£ Mr. Peebles, who have been detained for many months tinder the Defence of the Realm Act.

PEACE TERMS LONDON, December 4. The “Evening Standard” says: The House of Commons is expected soon to debate British aims. The debate is to be initiated by the Independent Labour Party. Mr. J. McGovern (1.L.0. Member for Shettleston, Glasgow), will move a motion attacking the Government for not having stated its peace terms, and for having failed to' call a Peace Conference. Independent Labour Party circles are of the opinion that the motion will receive the support of twenty of the members. The Official Labour Party will meet shortly to define their attitude towards the “peace planners.”

COTTON INDUSTRY LONDON, December 3. The “Daily Express” says: The Lancashire cotton industry is again short of operatives, and this at a critical moment. As a result of the shortage an order for one hundred million yards of cotton goods from the Government will not be fulfilled within the stipulated six months. Many Lancashire operatives have drifted to the munitions industry, because of the higher wages. These workers will remain there, unless they are assured of comparable wages and of reasonable security in their own industry. BALLOON ESCAPES LISBON, December 3. Firemen at Mirandella captured a balloon which is believed to have escaped from the British barrage. It trailed 700 yards of cable over the Portugese countryside for two days, damaging telegraph and telephone lines.

SWISS RAIDS. (Recd. December 5, 11.20 a.m.) BERNE, December 4. The police raided units of the totalitarian and Communist movements. BRITAIN’S EXPENDITURE. RUGBY, December 4. Last night’s Exchequer returns revealed that Britain’s war expenditure touched, a new record in the week ended on Saturday last, of £93,133,950.