§ 24. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that certain persons in this country, formerly German subjects, hold certificates of denationalisation which they had obtained before the War owing to their desire to sever their connection with Germany; will he state how persons holding such certificates are regarded; and whether they free the holders from liability to internment?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)I am aware that certificates of the nature indicated by my hon. Friend are possessed by many persons, but such a certificate cannot be regarded (especially in the case of persons who have not been naturalised here) as in itself conclusive proof that the holder is not to be regarded in English law as an alien enemy.
§ Mr. KINGDoes this allow them to have a better chance of leaving the country for America, as I understand several of them desire to do?
§ Sir J. SIMONEvery case is considered on its merits.
§ 25. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain friendly and neutral aliens in this country having lost their positions or means of livelihood owing to the War, have applied for permission to remove themselves and their families to the United States or other countries in which they have good prospects but have yet been refused permission to go; and whether he will reconsider this policy, which is resulting in persons who are willing to leave these shores continuing to be an economic burden to the community?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think there must be some misunderstanding. Aliens of friendly and neutral nationality do not require and therefore have not been refused permission from me to leave this country for the United States of America or other non-European countries.