The Government today ordered the interment of all “enemy aliens” between the ages of 60 and 70 in category B–who previously had been allowed certain freedom of movement. All in this category between the ages of 16 and 60 years already had been interned.
Home Secretary Sir John Anderson earlier informed the House of Commons that measures were being taken for the release of internees whose efforts would be in the national interest. The action followed intervention on behalf of interned refugees who were key figures in important industries which employed many Britons and whose internment forced closing down of the plants.
“Steps have been taken,” Sir John said, “to review the cases of Germans and Austrians recently interned under general directions, where it is claimed that their release is definitely and directly in the national interest, but it will not be possible to allow the return of such persons to any protected area unless I am fully satisfied that the return does not prejudice national security.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.