
Friedrich
Riha, from Vienna,
a survivor in later years
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"COLLAR
THE LOT"
The British War Cabinet was already in place and
decisions were taken at the highest level to round up undesirable
aliens who could possibly pose a threat to Britain, now in the throes
of war.
Little or no consideration was given to their long term residence
in the country, their contribution to the hotel, restaurant, cafe,
engineering and many other industries over many years.
"Collar the lot," Churchill demanded! The trauma that families,
friends and relations went through at that time was a continual
nightmare for them, as secrecy and swift internment took precedence
over everything else.
The round-up of aliens/internees continued and they were billeted
in army camps, hotels, holiday camps; anywhere that could be found,
just as long as they were out of circulation and away from the public
and their families.
Erwin
Frenkel,
survivor
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A decision
was taken at the War Cabinet to export these internees/aliens to
Canada and Australia. A total 7,500 were to be selected and three
ships were to sail by June 24th, 1940, if possible.The Duchess of
York was the first to sail, with 2,500 internees to Canada; twice
her normal capacity for passengers.
It was now July 1st, 1940 and the Arandora Star was the next ship
to receive internees for shipment to Canada. She had undergone many
structural changes since the war broke out and was now converted
into a troopship.
Cesare Carnozzi was one of the internees to board with the Italian
group. The Germans and Austrians arrived shortly afterwards at Liverpool
and they too were put on board, not knowing where they were going
to, nor were they told.
Some days previous to this the German armed forces had landed and
taken control of all of the Channel Islands and Britain was now
an island under continual siege and bombardment.
The Arandora Star slipped anchor at Liverpool docks on Monday, 1st
July, 1940, bound for Canada with her complement of internees, crew
and escort troops on board.
Part 3
"INSENSITIVE REMARKS"
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