HC Deb 19 May 1915 vol 71 cc2343-4
103 and 101. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether (1) the written declarations made by passengers passing to and fro from this country since the War broke out are of such a character as to disclose whether the individuals are not merely of American, Swiss, or Dutch nationality, but whether they are really of neutral or hostile orign, having regard to the violence of the propaganda carried on by so-called neutrals who are of German origin; and (2) in view of the violence of the propaganda carried on by so-called neutrals who are of German origin, whether the Board of Trade insist on all passengers passing to and fro from this country making declarations not only as to nationality but also as to the place of birth and parentage?

Mr. McKENNA

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Alien passengers are not required to make written declarations to the effect suggested, but they must produce papers showing their nationality and identity, and in the course of their examination by the aliens officers they are, in any case where they have changed their original nationality, questioned fully as to their origin, and the results are carefully recorded with a view to any necessary action. I may add that there are heavy penalties for false statements or representations.