Jewish Refugees from Latin-america Being Released from Internment by U.S.

Fifty men, women and children who have been confined in the Algiers Immigration Detention Stations here for several months as “enemy aliens” are being released, it was disclosed today by a representative of the National Refugee Service.

The Enemy Alien Control Unit of the United States Department of Justice, with the assistance of the NRS and of refugee-aid committees in 14 American cities, is dealing with the cases of this group in such a way that, after long internment as “enemy aliens,” they will be enabled to devote an assortment of valuable skills to the war effort, an NRS announcement said.

Under a ruling of the Enemy Alien Control Unit these refugees, who were originally rounded up in a number of Latin American countries after Pearl Harbor and sent to the United States for detention, are to enter into “internment at large.” They will be permitted to reside in specified cities under regulation and supervision and will be able to establish their own homes, earn a livelihood and in general lead a normal existence. Several young men in the group have announced their intention of enlisting in the armed forces at the earliest possible moment, while professional men and skilled technicians among them now hope to serve in useful war jobs. The group includes several physicians, an expert on tropical lumber and rubber, a railroad man, an economist and statistician, a diesel engine mechanic, a refrigeration mechanic, and several manufacturers, including one who, in Europe, operated a factory for the manufacture of uniforms.

Relaxation of internment was allowed after investigation of the character and trustworthiness of this group here and in Latin America by the Department of Justice. Evidence on their behalf was compiled and presented by the NRS.