HC Deb 30 July 1940 vol 363 c1155
48. Mr. Silverman

asked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct every Department of State concerned to describe such persons as may have established their right before a tribunal to the status of refugee from Nazi oppression, by that title, and not as enemy aliens?

The Prime Minister

The expression "enemy alien" merely means a foreigner who is the subject of a State at war with His Majesty. It is fully recognised that many such persons are not hostile to this country and that in referring to them it is better to use such a phrase as "persons of enemy nationality," but it is not always possible to avoid the term "enemy alien" which is the legal description used in certain statutory enactments.

Mr. Silverman

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how we are to distinguish between our friendly enemies and our hostile friends?

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the classification of victims of Nazi oppression was notified on all passports as "Friendly Aliens"? Why not stick to a description which is very familiar, namely, "Victims of Nazi oppression"?