On Wednesday a depleted House had been disposing of some
small bills and was about to go home, when suddenly on the adjournment a breeze blew up on the refugee question and the condition of internment camps. Until last May, when the war took its last bad turning, there had been a general sympathy for refugees and for aliens in our midst. But with invasion threatening and Italy our open enemy, new measures were necessary. It is clear that a new situation has arisen. The sinking of the Arandora Star' has brought into relief the whole problem of deportation. Wholesale internment by the military of all aliens on the coast has strained the accommoda- tion in internment camps. Some flagrant injustices have occurred which bring into disrepute the good name of Britain. Major Cazalet made a reasoned case for a review of present policy and Miss Rathbone, who is in the tradition of the great humanitarians, Lord Wolmer and others supported the appeal. Mr. Osbert Peake replied for the Government. I regard him as one of the best of the Junior Ministers: he has a clear mind, he works hard and is blessed with a sense of humour and perspective.
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