The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-04-30
Switzerland and Sweden to
Extend Relief to Needy
Enemy Citizens.
SANCTION WAS NOT
REQUIRED OF NATION
"Accords With Spirit With
Which We Entered War;
Says Lansing.

Washington, April 29.--With the APP
proNal and cooperation OF the Aneri-
can government. the legations of Switz-
erland and Sweden. representing re-
spcctively German and Austro- IIunEar-
ian interest. have undertaken to dir"c,
relief work among INDECENT enemy
aliens throughout the United States.
Relief work is to be extended to the
needy families of intcrued aliens di-
rect from the legation funds, while to
aid law-ahiding enemy aliens who have
suffered on account of their status "A
national committee OF Americans II To
be organized to cooperate with the
legations and their consular offices.
Secretary Lansing announced the ar
rangcmcnt in this statement
"ln the interests of safety and vol
fare Of this country, ii has been found
necessary from time to time to restrict
the movements and fields Of employ
mcnt OF enemy aliens. In some cases
these restrictions have worked hard
ships on enemy aliens who. in all re
spects, have shown themselves friendly
to the United States, but who, owing 10
the accident of birth and war condi-
tions, have been unable TO change their
status as such and have OF necessity
become objects of charity. Likewise
the families of those enemy aliens
whom the government deems it advis-
able to intern are often deprived of
their means Of livelihood and they also
become dependent On the charity Of
others.
y. s. Approves Move.
"In order to meet this condition the
legation of Switzerland and the legation
uf Sweden, i'm charge respectively of
German and Austro- Hungarian inter
csts in the United States, have, with
the approval and cooperation Of this
government, undertaken 10 systcmatize
and supervise all the relief that MAJ be
given 10 needy enemy aliens. where
ever and however situated, throughout
the country. In the case OF the in-
termed enemy aliens and their families
the legations have agreed to supply all
the relief from their own funds, limit
ing such relief to what is found after
careful investigation to be the essential
minimum.
Citizens 10 Co. Operate.
"The case of tho law abiding enemy
aliens has presented a more complex
problem. This it is proposed TO meet
| by the formation of national CON-
! mittec composed of American citizens,
! which, in corporation with the lega-
| tions Of Switzerland and Sweden and
| the consuls under their Jurisdiction,
will investigate all cases Of distress
among this class and will control the
collection and distribution OF all funds
| that may be subscribed for the purpose
Of their relief. II will, Of course. have
local committees working under II
wherever the need of such committees
is felt, and will render accounts OF its
activities to the proper authorities.
| II feel confident that the intelligent
and controlled relief OF enemy aliens In
distress in accordance with the pro-
posed methods is a humanitarian meas
ire in accord with the spirit in which
we have undertaken To carry out this
Iwar."
| Not Required BY Treaties.
There is no obligation in existing
treaties for such treatment of enemy
aliens as Is proposed. In Germany and
Austria many such have been detained
and most of them are largely depend
tent for support from the food supplies
lsent in through the Red Cross or other
organizations.
! In the case of enemy aliens who arr
Inow interned the United states is liablt
for the cost Of their maintenance, ~
lin the case of any lawbreaker or sus'
Ipcct. The Skies and Swedish legation,
lmay supply them with some small, ar
iticies or foods, not provided by the in
ttcrnment camps administration.
The activities of the legations vii
not extend In any way to the compare
Itiveiy few prisoners of war in thi!
Iccuntry. The Hague treaties provide
THAT the cost Of their maintenance
shall be assessed against the enem.
lcountries upon the conclusion Of peace