Notebook belonging to internee Heinz Lippmann

Date25 February 1941

Object numberANMS0220[003]

NameBook

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Heinz Lippmann

Terms

DescriptionAn exercise book hand copied by Heinz (Henry) Lippmann compiled whilst he was an intern in Australia. The notebook contains a handwritten transcript by Lippmann of the debate in the House of Commons on the 25th February 1941 tilted 'Aliens (Treatment On Ships)' regarding the journey to Australia by interns aboard HMT DUNERA.HistoryOn 10 July 1940, 2,542 detainees, all classified as “enemy aliens," were embarked aboard HMT DUNERA at Liverpool. Before the ship even left the port the men were subjected to very harsh and unfair treatment that would continue throughout the journey. The guards stole many of the men’s possessions and destroyed or threw away luggage. It was alleged the officers in charge either turned a blind eye to this or were involved in the theft and destruction. Conditions on board the overcrowded ship were extremely unhygienic and cramped. Poor rations, lack of fresh water and limited access fresh air only exacerbated the situation. By the time the ship arrived in Sydney harbour, 57 days later, the men were in a very poor state. The first to examine them and the ship was an Australian medical army officer Alan Frost. His damning report about what he encountered and the state of the men was sent back to England where the government was made aware of what had happened. This notebook contains the transcript of the debate in the House of Commons regarding the treatment of 'aliens' aboard the HMT DUNERA. The first speech is by Mr Wedgewood who raises the matter and advocates not only for a full inquiry into the incident, but also reprimands for those in charge and for full public disclosure. For the men in the camp, it was heartning to hear that there were those outside who were attempting to free them and bring attention to their plight. Heinz Lippmann who compiled this book later said: "As I said is it the most important thing that we were here you know? For us, its great that there were people standing up in England talking about us. That's great. That says much for British justice, if you like. Injustice was done and they said it.They court marshalled later on the people, maybe not enough, but they done it in any case and I think it's great."