§ 83. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mieczyslaw Tuleja, a Polish gentleman, technically an Austrian subject, was permitted to do work for the Polish cause, to act as secretary of a Polish committee, and to edit a 3426 Polish paper favourable to the Allies, but was interned only on 10th September, 1918; what was the reason of the changed policy towards this gentleman; and whether, in view of his record and the Armistice, his case will now be reconsidered?
§ Mr. BRACETuleja is an Austrian subject who was exempted from internment on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee in 1915, but was interned in September last for disregarding two summonses to present himself for national service. His internment was in accordance with the general rule that enemy subjects provisionally exempted from internment must perform work of national utility when called on by the proper authority, or they cannot retain their exemptions. I am aware that he was the editor of a paper, but this fact did not afford sufficient ground for making him an exception to the general rule, and I do not think his release at the present time could be justified.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in his own opinion and that of many others his editing of the paper on behalf of the Allies was a great national service?