HC Deb 26 June 1919 vol 117 cc317-8
32. Mr. MALLALIEU

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to certain statements which have recently appeared in the French Press severely criticising the restrictions which it is alleged to be the intention of His Majesty's Government to impose on French subjects in the United Kingdom under the Aliens Restriction Bill; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

Mr. SHORTT

I am glad to have an opportunity of correcting any misapprehension which may have arisen as to the restrictions to be imposed on French citizens in the United Kingdom. The powers of the Aliens Bill and the Order which it is proposed to make under it, necessarily apply to all aliens, but the obligations to be imposed on French citizens, both as to their admission to the United Kingdom and their registration, will be found to be of a most moderate character and embody a great relaxation of the restrictions which it has been found necessary to impose in war time. There is no ground for the suggestion that they will be treated, in the administration of the Order, in the same way as our former enemies. I understand that since the terms of the proposed Order have been published articles more recent than those referred to in the question have appeared in the French Press and give the French public a fuller and better account of what is proposed.

Sir P. MAGNUS

When will the Order referred to be placed on the Table?

Mr. SHORTT

It has already been published to the Committee.