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Britain Extends Curbs to Refugees from Nazi-invaded Countries

May 29, 1940
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Home Secretary Sir John Anderson last night ordered restrictions on all alien? who have entered Britain since May 9 as refugees from territory invaded or occupied by German. This includes refugees from Czechoslovakia, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Holland and Belgium.

The restrictions provide that an alien over 16 years of age shall not travel more than five miles from his registered place of residence without a travel permit from the police. They also prohibit possession of explosives, motor vehicles, cameras, maps and certain other articles.

Col. Josiah Wedgwood, Laborite, suggested in the House of Commons today that German Jews not be interned with Nazis but be invited to do work of national importance during their internment. War Undersecretary Richard K. Law replied that these matters were under consideration.

In reply to a question by Oswald Lewis, Conservative, the Government spokesman said it was not proposed to form foreign legions and added that aliens, subject to examination of their credentials, would be enlisted in the regular army.

Meanwhile, conditions in an internment camp in a northern suburb are described in a report published here. The estate, completed just before the war, consists of modern, semi-detached suburban cottages with bathrooms and various labor-saving devices.

A film producer, university professors and rabbis are among the 1,000 aliens who have already arrived there. The younger internees will be able to continue their studies in an educational center staffed by professors, priests, rabbis and parsons.

Food is provided by the Government, cooked by chefs drawn from the ranks of the internees. A concert is planned, to be staged by the film producer, who believes the camp is full of talent. Auditions are being held for artists and musicians.

People in the neighborhood and the Society of Friends have offered to provide indoor games to be placed in special recreation rooms. It is also hoped to provide better furniture. The men sleep on the floor on pallets which fill with straw on their arrival.

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