(48656/T)
SYRIA
145
Dominions or Colonies at the date or the conclusion
of the agreement.
Of the persons mentioned in the Governor's telegram of the 11th instant all except the fourth should in principle be released unless definite suspicion attaches to their proceedings, and, subject to proof of his age, in the case of the
man reported to be over 55. Sir E. Grey
is making enquiry of the War Office and Admiralty as to the suspicion, if any, attached to these
four persons.
I am to observe that the circular of February
5th, 1915, to which the Governor refers, has no application to the matter, as it deals only with the cases of enemy subjects who arrive in certain British ports as passengers or as members of the crew of neutral ships and not to prisoners brought in by one of His Majesty's ships. As regards the circular of November 30th, 1914, I am to state taat the military and naval authorities attach great importance to arresting any person who is suspected of being an enemy agent or bearer of correspondence, so that their present practice is no longer clearly
expressed by the circular,
I am,
sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Whangan