This
online document is being transcribed from the original document
by Donna Lawrence of the AHU. The original, paper version (circa
1953), is in very poor condition, with a number of pages damaged
and the words often unclear. While this online version is as accurate
and complete as it can be, it inevitably contains errors and omissions.
A substantial, 700 page document, it is being added to the web
site as it is transcribed. |
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The
Internment Policy commenced prior to the WWII, stating that no
general internment of enemy aliens was contemplated but some measure
of general internment was inevitable. To implement this policy,
in conjunction with the District Commandants, State Police and
the Commonwealth Investigations Branch, lists were prepared for
control or internment. There had to be a reasonable case against
any individual enemy alien before he or she was interned. The
basic principle was established that enemy aliens of military
age or other persons suspected as being, or likely to act, in
a manner that was prejudicial to the public safety or the Commonwealth
were likely to cause disaffection and should be regarded as suitable
subjects for internment on the outbreak of war.
Chapter 1 in full |
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The
International Red Cross proposed a binding declaration to the
German Government on the treatment and administration of enemy
aliens and that the provisions of the Prisoners of War Convention
signed at Geneva in 1929 should be applied generally to all internees.
The enemy aliens were treated in accordance with the Convention.
Certain provisions of the Convention were contentious.
Throughout
the war and during the post war period up until the closing
of the camps, internees were of interest and criticised by the
public and press and they often formed the subject of lively
political argument.
Chapter 2 in full
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A
telegram was received in Canberra for the UK High Commissioner
stating that the custody of German and Italian internees in the
United Kingdom was under consideration and the retention there
of the large numbers of dangerous or potentially dangerous persons
could impose a serious burden on all authorities responsible for
their custody. It also stated that in the event of a serious attack
internees, given the opportunity, might assist the enemy. Personnel
required for a safeguard against any such attack could better
be employed for more essential purposes.
Chapter 3 in full |
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The
National Security Regulations formed the whole basis of internee
administration in Australia. They were carefully drafted to, as
far as practicable, incorporate the provisions of the 1929 Geneva
Convention as they applied to internees in accordance with the
policy of the United Kingdom. The Regulations, Camp Orders and
by-laws were made in pursuance of such regulations and ceased
to have effect after midnight on 31 Dec 1946. It was anticipated
that some of the internees would be retained in the Commonwealth
for at least a short period after that date.
A transitional
Act was designed to provide the security and defence of the
Commonwealth during the period from war conditions to conditions
of peace. This Act was extended until December 1947. The Regulations
and Camp Orders extended the operation until the 31st December
1949, after this date they ceased to have any further effect.
Chapter 4 in full
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| CHAPTER
5 - DEPENDANTS OF INTERNEES, RELIEF OF |
| Arrangements
were made to provide sustenance to aliens and their dependant children
immediately after the commencement of hostilities. Distributed by
the State to the wives and children of interned aliens, the rates
were governed by unemployment legislation. In pursuance of these
arrangements, dependants of internees were obliged to make applications
for their sustenance to officers or directly to the State Authorities.
Problems
arose in respect of maintenance of dependants of internees who
had been released, but who did not make any payments to their
dependants from their earnings. The Security Service was informed
and arrangements were made to ensure that appropriate notification
of release to State Authorities concerned was made and relief
could be discontinued where necessary.
Chapter 5 to come
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Numerous
more chapters to follow |
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