The Assistant Commissioner of Pensions has forwarded, for advice, the following memorandum:

I append copy of an inquiry which has been received as to the nationality of a claimant for an old-age pension:

Claimant states that he was born of German parents at sea about three weeks' sail from Sydney on a ship named The Julia. His parents were not naturalized and believing he was a British-born subject he did not apply for certificate of naturalization. The ship was on its way to Australia from some port unknown to applicant and he is unable to say whether it was a British ship.

It would seem that claimant cannot be regarded as a British subject, but before

definitely rejecting the claim I should be obliged if you would kindly favour me with your opinion on the matter.

In view of the fact that the applicant is of German parentage and would be regarded by German law as of German nationality, I am of opinion that he should be regarded by Commonwealth authorities as of German nationality, in the absence of proof that the ship on which he was born was a British ship.

[Vol. 16, p. 194]