SONS OF GERMANS

Grey River Argus, 22 July 1941, Page 8

SONS OF GERMANS

APPEAL AGAINST SERVICE AUCKLAND, July 18. Three reservists whose fathers were of German birth appeared before the No 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board when they appealed against territorial service on conscientious Heinrich Karl Berlin said that both his father and uncle were internees on Somes Island. Wellington His father had been in New Zealand for twenty five years, but had not been naturalised. He was interned in the last war. “Would you like to enter camp: asked the Crown representative (Mr. Cox). z „ “Not while we are distrusted all the time and have our mail opened, answered the reservist. Mr. E. Wright, who spoke on behalf of the reservist, said that Berlin's father and uncle, who were members of the German Club, were interned last Christmas. “That decision was made after very strict inquiry before a Judge of the Supreme Court,” said the chairman (Mr. Orr Walker, S.M.). “However we are not going to visit the sins of the father on the son.” The appeal was dismissed, the chairman remarking that the question of nationality would be brought before the Director of National' Service. “My case is vastly different from that of my brother,” said Rudolph Ernst Berlin. “I know more, as I listen over the radio.” Mr. Cox said that as the reservist was not a British subject the appeal resolved itself into one of statu.s The appeal was referred to the Man Power Committee. “I do not feel that I could fight against my father’s country,” said Herbert Blumhardt. “I do not believe in war and there is no reason why I should kill my fellow man.” “I wish some of the people you speak about hold those views,” remarked the chairman. “Your case is really one of mental hardship.” The appeal was dismissed, but the question of nationality will be taken up with the Director of National Service.