Statement by the Alien Property Custodian ( Palmer)1
Declaration of war with Austria-Hungary will not change the status of citizens or subjects of Austria-Hungary resident in this country. Such persons are not included within the term “enemy” as employed in the Trading with the Enemy Act, and their property in this country will not be molested or interfered with in any way.
Deposits in the Postal Savings Banks of the United States, and deposits in other banks and banking institutions, belonging to citizens or subjects of the Austro-Hungarian Empire resident in this country are not liable to seizure by the Government and will not be taken into possession by the Alien Property Custodian. There is no reason whatever why such persons should be concerned about their property, real or personal, or their funds in bank, or securities, or other investments.
Under the Trading with the Enemy Act the test of enemy character is one of residence and not nationality. The Alien Property Custodian will take into his possession only the property in this country held for, or on account of, or for the benefit of persons who are actually resident within the enemy territory.
- The Official Bulletin, Washington, Dec. 10, 1917 (vol. 1, No. 180), p. 2.↩