Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-04-30
RELIEF WORK
Among INDECENT En-
envy Aliens in i. S.

Undertaken by Switzerland ana
Sweden, Representing German and
|. Austro- Hungarian Interssts- Will
Have Approval and Cooperation
Of American Government
Washington. April 2s.-With the ap-
prevail and cooperation Of the American
government and the legations OF swift
zerland and Sweden representing respec-
lively German and Austro-Hungarian
interests, have undertaken to direct re-
lief work among INDECENT enemy aliens
throughout the United States. Relief
will be extended to needy families OF
interned aliens direct from the lega-
ton funds while to aid law-abiding en-
envy aliens who have suffered on &C
count of their status national commit
tee of Americans Is to be organized to
cooperate with the legations and their
consular Offices.
Secretary Lansing announced the ar
rangement today in this statement:
In the 1ntSTSSlS oI the SdACty hAN
| welfare of this country it has been
found necessary from time to time to re-
strict the movements and fields of en-
ployment of enemy aliens. In some
cases these restrictions have worked
hardships on enemy aliens who in all
respects have shown themselves friend
ly to the United States, but who, owing
ho re hfrfh NJ
ditions, have been unable to change
their status as such and have of neces-
sity become objects of charity. Like
wise 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 be-
come dependent on the charity Of 9TH
ers.
In order to meet this condition
the legation Of Switzerland and the
legation Of Sweden, in charge re-
spectively Of German and Austro-
Hungarian interests in the United
States, have with the approval and
cooperation of this government un-
dertaken to systemic and supervise
all the relief that may be given to
needy enemy aliens, wherever and
however situated throughout the
country. In the case of the informed
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 foundafter
careful investigation to be the essen
fin1 minimum
1.-The case of the law-abiding en-
envy aliens has presented a more
complex problem. This it Is pro-
posed to meet by the formation Of
national committee composed Of
American citizens which in cooper
alton with the legations Of Switzer-
land and Sweden and the consuls I'M
der their jurisdio ton 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. 1t will of course have local
committees working under it where
! ever 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 acccdance with the pro-
posed methods. is humanitarian
measure in accord with the spirit in
which we have undertaken to carry
on this war"
There is no obligation in existing
treaties for suc, treatment Of enemy
aliens as is proposed. In Germany
and Austria, many such have been
detained and NEST of them are large
ly dependent for support on the food
supplies sent in through the Red
Cross or other organizations.