HC Deb 16 March 1939 vol 345 cc598-9
79. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the pressure being exercised by Johanna Wolf, social organiser of the German Workers' Front, on Germans in this country to associate themselves with this Nazi organisation; and, in view of the undesirability of resident aliens being organised in this manner, he will consider withdrawing from the officers of this organisation their permission to reside in this country?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

My right hon. Friend is aware that invitations to Germans in this country to join the German Labour Front have been issued by the person mentioned. On this subject I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 22nd December to which my right hon. Friend has nothing to add.

Mr. Mander

Is the Under-Secretary aware that this Nazi agent is continually issuing from 28, Cleveland Terrace letters to Germans in this country, refugees and others, with such terms as this, "Do not evade this urgent summons," and that they are having a very injurious effect? Will he not take steps to prevent this being done in this country?

Mr. Lloyd

I think we have to remember that this question of the freedom of our laws does operate in two ways. On the one hand, there is complete freedom of refugees to join; and there is also an equal freedom to urge them to join.

Mr. Mander

Is it allowable for a Nazi agent to threaten people who are allowed to live here?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir, and my right hon. Friend made it clear that to do such a thing would be an offence.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Is it right that an undesirable alien should remain in this country?

Mr. Crossley

Is it not the fact that in some of these cases the threat is not to the person residing in this country but as to what may happen to relatives abroad?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will not the Government consider, from the defence point of view, supervising very carefully these Nazi organisations?

Mr. Lloyd

My right hon. Friend has said on several occasions that these organisations are closely watched.

Mr. Mander

Why not clear out these Hitler agents altogether?