RELEASE PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 6

RELEASE PLAN

CIVILIAN REFUGEES

VOLUNTEERS MAY WORK

DECISION IN AUSTRALIA

MELBOURNE, Jan. 20 Some of the civilian refugees who, for many months, have been interned in Australia on behalf of the British Government and the Straits Settlements Administration are to be released if they volunteer to serve in the national interest of Australia. The Minister for the Army, Mr. Forde, announcing this to-night, said that the British Government and the Straits Settlements Administration had given an assurance that the overwhelming majority of the internees sent to Australia were friendly to the Allied cause. Most of those from Britain would have been freed long ago if they had remained in that country. Ihe plans for the release are: — Conditions Laid Down (1) Fit men of military age will be released if they volunteer for enlistment in labour units of the Australian military forces, provided they do not possess technical knowledge or skill which can better be used in other capacities. , . . (2) Certain specialists and technicians will be released if employment can be obtained in work of national importance, but they will not be used m competition with Australian workers and they will not bo used in any way to breaK down or lower Australian standards and conditions. (3) Minors under 18 will be released to continue their education and studies or to learn occupations, such as farming, provided they have adequate means of support. (4) Women and aged and infirm internees will be released if they have adequate means of support. A Gradual Process Mr. Forde said for administrative reasons the release would be gradual. Each release would be subject to Military Intelligence being satisfied that it would not be prejudicial to national security. The specialists and technicians concerned, including scientists, engineers, fitters, and instrument makers, would be emploved under the same award conditions as Australians. Thev would not be used where they were likely to displace an Australian from employment. Internees released would be kept under supervision. Steps would be taken to ensure proper residential spacing and to prevent them living together in colonies. . Release would not imply that the individual concerned would be allowed to remain in Australia after the war. Internees who did not voluntee/ would remain iji the internment camps, added the Minister.