§ 18. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked the Home Secretary the number of German and Austrian aliens who have registered under the Alien Registration Act in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the number thereof who reside in London; and whether such aliens have been searched for arms and explosives capable of doing damage to persons or property
§ Mr. McKENNAThe number of Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians registered in the United Kingdom is 66,773, as I stated yesterday. Of these, 37,457 are registered in London and 949 in Ireland.
No alien enemy is allowed to be in possession of arms or explosives without a permit from the police, and the most vigorous steps have been taken to enforce this provision in the interests of public safety.
§ Mr. TERRELLMay I ask for an answer to the second part of the question: Whether such aliens have been searched for arms and explosives?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes.
§ Mr. TERRELLThey have been searched?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes.
§ Mr. McKENNAIf an Austrian or German is a naturalised British subject, he has the full rights of a British subject.
§ Sir J. D. REESAre letters from those persons through Holland to Germany subject to supervision?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not know that it is desirable to reply in precise terms, but of course letters are censored by the military authorities?