Austrians (Great Britain).

Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence. – in the House of Commons at on 5 March 1942.

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Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of differentiating in treatment and status between Austrians and Germans in this country, in view of the declared policy of the Allies to restore freedom to Austria, and in view of the action on these lines recently taken by the United States Government?

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

As regards treatment, it is open to any individual Austrian to apply for exemption from the special restrictions applicable to aliens of enemy nationality, and such application would be granted if I were satisfied that the applicant is whole-heartedly sympathetic with the Allied cause and willing to assist our war effort. But I regret that I should not be prepared to grant these exemptions wholesale to all persons of former Austrian nationality. As regards status, the expression "alien of enemy nationality" includes all persons who are nationals of a State at war with His Majesty, and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by attempting to differentiate between different classes of persons who possess enemy nationality.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to consider the recent change in United States policy on this matter, with a view to seeing whether it is not possible for a similar attitude to be adopted in both countries?

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

I will consider that, but conditions in the United States are different from our own.