LUSITANIA

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9045, 17 May 1915, Page 7

LUSITANIA

ALIEN PROBLEM DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

“GERMANS NOT HUMAN BEINGS.*’

By Teleffraph—Press Association—Copyright “Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. (Received May 15, 6.20 p.m.)

Ik)NDON, May IS. During Die debate on Mr Asquith’s statement as to the internment of aliens, Mr Bonar Daw, leader of the Opposition, welcomed the announcement. Ho said it was quit© evident that the country was thoroughly aroused and liable to get out of hand. Nobody could be surprised, however much it might bo deplored, knowing the outbreaks in the country and the whole instincts of the country. “However strongly w© may feel, this ought to be prevented. The nation is now realising chat this is not a war between armies, but between nations. Every individual, whether civilian or soldier, must throw his weight in the scale.” Ho (Mr Bonar Law) persistently avoided taking any share of responsibility for the action of the Government, over which he could have no possible control, but this question was so serious from the viewpoint of the national credit that he took the liberty of discussing it .with Air Asquith. He agreed with the Government proposals and could not suggest better. At a time like this there could be no neutrals in Britain. Everyone was for or against us. The claims of those naturalised should be dealt with justly on their merits. Lord Robert Cecil declared that, after, the recent outrages, it was not right to think that Germans were incapable of any crime, or to assume that they would act as ordinary human 'beings. . Sir B. A. Cooper (Unionist) stressed the necessity for speedy measures. There are dangers of London being sot afire. “ I have reason to believe that there is an organised plot for that purjiose.” Sir A. D. Markham (Liberal) accused the Government of interning a wretched waiter; and allowing the high-placed German, Baron Schroder, to continue in business. He assumed that the Baron was left free because he was rich. .■■!.! Mr Asquith denied that Baron Schroder was naturalised for financial reasons, hut for the benefit of credit in London City. Sir A.' B. Markham urged that German Privy Councillors be interned. Mr Asquith, in replying, refused to regard naturalised Gormans as spies and enemies. Ho was shocked to know that British workmen refused to associate with a naturalised German with three sons in, the British Army. Ho believed the workers would repudiate this stain on their class. The great body of aliens in Britain - wore docent, honest, and respectable. The instigation of a vendetta against them would bo, not only disgraceful from the moral viewpoint, but impolitic from the viewpoint of the best interests of the country. It was impossible to conceive anything more ill-advised or discreditable than the recent , looting and .plunder, ing. That did" not represent the spirit or the methods of a sane, sober, selfrespecting population in dealing with such a problem. THE GERMAN MENAGE WAVE OF ANGER' SWEEPING OVER ENGLAND. “Times” and Sydney “Sun” Services. LONDON, May 14. “The Times,” in a leader, says: — “There is evidence of a widespread feeling against naturalisation, with no exemption. A tremendous wave of anger is sweeping over England. There is evidence that the public has been roused to ; a consciousness of the formidable character of the German menace. This marked development of national temper will not soon be assuaged, and the Government will be. wise to take heed, and turn in the right directions. This growth of burning anger is a grave warning to the Government and the Opposition that the public patience is not inexhaustible. . . . Air Roosevelt counsels prompt action regarding the drowned babies and women. This is an eloquent commentary on President Wilson’s theory that a policy of .blood and iron can bo met by a policy of milk, and water.” ENEMY ALIENSJNMEN6LAND ORDERS ISSUED FOR THEIR ' ARREST. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copy rich t LONDON, May 14. Orders have been issued for the arrest of enemy aliens. Many are volun tarily surrendering, REPRISALS THREATENED GERMANS PROFESS INDIGNATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 16, 5 p.m.) BERLIN, May 16. Public opinion professes to be indignant at the internment of Germans and Austrians in Britain. The newspapers threaten reprisals on all civilians and officers in Germany. Many of the public are surprised at the internment order, believing that all German civilians had been long ago interned as in Germany. SURRENDERSJND ARRESTS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received Alay 16, 5 p.m.) LONDON, Alay 16. A memorial from one hundred and thirty-one naturalised members of the Stock Exchange has been presented to the Lord Alayor, declaring their, loyalty, and denouncing the German atrocities. . ■ The voluntary surrender of many aliens continues, and the police am arresting hundreds of others. EAST END QUIETENING By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Alay 14. Five hundred young Germans have been sent to detention camps. The rounding-up of aliens is quietening the East End, where the rioting is subsiding.