A DIFFICULT SUBJECT.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1919, Page 6

A DIFFICULT SUBJECT.

(DEPORTATION OF FREEMAN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn,—Copyright. Melbourne. July 3. Reasons why Paul Freeman was deported were given by Mr. Watt, the Acting-Prime Minister, in answer to Mr. Anstey in the Hous« of Representatives. Mr.Anstey asked why Freeman was now in gaol, and Mr. Watt gave a statement in answer. Freeman, said the Acting-Prime Minister, had registered himself here, as an American alien. The information available to the Defence Department showed that Freeman had been fined for a breach of the War Precautions (Aliens Registration) regulations, in that lie had failed to report within seven days after acquiring a new place of abode. Freeman was an advocate of I.W.W. doctrine, and had made a statement to the effect that anyone going to the war was "lower than & dog,,' .continued Mr. Watt. ' Tho evidence'was that Freeman had refused to naturalise in Australia, and that he was an Amerienn, the evidence pointed to the fact that he was a German. For this and other proper reasons his deportation was ordered "It is not the practice," said Mr. Watt "to disclose the sources through which information Is obtained by the department. Freeman is now in detention pending the result of inquiries from the United States as to the reasons for refusing him permission to land in that country."