§ 7. Colonel McCALMONTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many persons of enemy alien origin are still permitted to reside within 10 miles of the county Antrim coast, excluding the city of Belfast; whether the naval and military authorities responsible for this area have been informed of the presence of each of these persons; if so, whether they have expressed approval in each case; and whether he will state the grounds upon which it has been decided to take the risk of these people's loyalty to their adopted country in such an important war area?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI am informed there are six persons of enemy alien origin permitted to reside in the county Antrim within 10 miles of the coast. Two of them are British subjects by naturalisation, a third is married to a British subject, a fourth is married to an Italian, and the remaining two are old ladies over seventy years of age who were on a visit to their daughters when war broke out and were unable to return to Germany.
The naval and military authorities have from time to time been notified by the police authorities of the presence of these aliens in this county.
Of the six persons of alien origin referred to above, only two reside in a prohibited area, namely, a German lady aged seventy-four who is residing with her daughter at Whitehead, the daughter being married to a British subject. These persons have all been under observation since the outbreak of war, and the police believe them to be quite harmless.
I may add that in all cases where there was the slightest suspicion against any alien enemy immediate action was taken, and the naval and military intelligence officers have been in constant touch with the police with reference to them.
As to the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I cannot go into any discussion of the grounds upon which the authorities may have acted in any particular case.
§ Colonel McCALMONTAre we to understand that no action is taken unless there is ground for suspicion against particular aliens; that in this matter the Government will only take action when 1824 they have a proved case of trading or communicating with the enemy; and that otherwise aliens are allowed to live where they like, whether it is in a danger area or not?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI have given all the information I have with regard to county Antrim to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers. Particular inquiry has been made with regard to it, and if he gives any particular instance inquiry will be made at once in regard to it.
§ Colonel McCALMONTAre we to understand that each individual case has been communicated to the local naval or military officer and that he has expressed himself as satisfied that these people should dwell there or not?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThe answer is that the "naval and military authorities have from time to time been notified by the police authorities of the presence of these aliens." I also stated that
In all cases where there was the slightest suspicion against any alien enemy immediate action was taken and the naval and military and intelligence officers have been in constant touch with the police with reference to them.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this old lady of seventy-four is much more dangerous than many of the Sinn Feiners who have been interned on suspicion?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI do not agree with that view.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Home Office in this country as to the desirability of prohibiting all aliens from residing in any prohibited area?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI presume any Order the Home Office make would be applied in Ireland.