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"Edward J» Ennis gore | SIG6 Director DEPARTUENT OF JUSTICE ENC Alien Enany Co ontrol Bnit Washington March li, 19Lh LEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Ret Parole of Italian seanen and civilian internees The Imalpration ard Raturalization Service plans to close the internment camp at Ft, Eissoula, Nontana, in the next few weeks and experience has dononstrated that Germans and Italiana carnct be interned in the same camp satisfactorily, This situation presents a gocd occasion to review the whole question of keeping these Italians interned ag alien enanles, Italian seamen. - Host of the seamen are here involuntarily, have no ties fiere, aud any allegiance: is to Italy although, of course, at present such allegiance is a confused political matter, It 1a doubtful that thoy have any affirmative pelitical views about Italy nove Wost of these seancn were taken from their ships in cur harbors and detained in Immigration custody even before we entered the war. IT resomend that, with the exception of a few unrecenstructed Fascists and old and infina who should be held as alier encales for repatriation, the remainine aeamon be transferred back to Immigration cusicdy as gcaomen whe have cverstayed their leave so that they may be pandled like other seamen and if possible be persuaded to reship. It is hoped, howe ever, that the Imuigration Service will avoid involuntary reshipment poth in the interest of security and in respect for &@ Seaman's genuine fear of reprisals against any members of his family in Northern Italy, or sinilar reasons, Civilian Italien interness. ~ Even the few internees who are not politicaliy demoralized vy italy's fall know that their Fascist vievs are completely discredited in thelr communities and they would not be a danrer to their cansunity if returned on parole. I recommend that all of then be placec on strict parole with the possible exception of anyone who still indicatas an unvillingness to cooperate on this basis. f If you will indicate yeur conclusion cn these recommendation: , the cases will be prepared for individual decision in accordance with your yicws,. /s/ Edvard J. Ennis a ) aa [Oo -— Am af KL