Attorney-General Francis Biddle today assured aliens in this country that so long as they “conduct themselves in accordance with law, they need fear no interference by the Department of Justice or by any other agency of the federal government.”
The Attorney-General added that every effort would be made to protect such aliens from any discrimination or abuse “not only in justice and decency to the loyal non-citizens of this country but also in the hope that it may spare American citizens in enemy countries unjust retaliation.” Individuals and local and state authorities were warned by Biddle not to take any “direct action” against aliens but to forward any pertinent information to the F.B.I.
A War Department spokesman said that aliens may not voluntarily enlist in the army, although there is nothing in the Selective Service Act to prevent their being drafted.
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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.
