HC Deb 02 August 1918 vol 109 cc790-2W
Sir HERBERT NIELD

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a large number of persons of alien enemy birth are in this country and have registered as the subjects of neutral countries, some of whom have, as a precautionary and temporary measure, procured themselves to be naturalised in such countries; and is it proposed to investigate the circumstances of these cases by the Advisory Committee, and to intern all those who are unable to prove an effective and binding denaturalisation from the point of view of German law?

Sir G. CAVE

I have no evidence which supports the statement in the first part of the question, and I shall be obliged to my hon. Friend if he will send me any information on the subject which is in his possession.

Sir H. NIELD

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken any steps to scrutinise or inquire into the registrations of professed neutral aliens, and, in particular, Swiss; what are the means taken to test the accuracy of the statements, and whether by examination under oath; to what extent has it been found that Germans have registered as Swiss; and what has been the practice as to internment in cases where technically a Swiss domicile has been obtained though the person is otherwise German?

Sir G. CAVE

Every alien is required to register with the police, and for this purpose to produce adequate documentary proof of the nationality he claims. Confirmation can usually be obtained from the Diplomatic or Consular representatives here of the country to which the alien claims to belong. If there is any doubt on the point the onus of proving his claim lies upon the alien, and, if necessary, proceedings are taken to enforce registration as an alien enemy, when evidence on oath is taken. As regards the rest of the question, there have been a few cases in which persons born in Switzerland of German parents have claimed Swiss nationality, but such claims have not been accepted unless the alien has been in a position to prove that he has actually acquired Swiss nationality. No question of domicile arises.