"NO POGROM."

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 158, 5 July 1940, Page 9

"NO POGROM."

AGAINST REFUGEES.

NEED FOR TOLERATION.

MR. GAINOR JACKSON'S PLEA

A plea for greater toleration towards aliens of German-Jewish origin was made iby Mr. Gainor Jackson at yesterday's meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. He pointed out that, prior to the outbreak of war, he had, together with other members of the chamber, approved of the admittance to the Dominion of refugees whose credentials were satisfactory to the authorities.

"I would hate to see anything in the nature of a pogrom launched against these unfortunate people whose only crime is that they were born Jews," he said.

The matter came before the meeting when a reply was received from the Attorney-General, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, to a letter forwarded by the local chamber expressing alarm at reports received in connection with the presence of so many aliens and inquiring if the police had adequate powers to deal with any potential menace.

The Minister replied that there were not a great many refugees from Germany, Austria, Hungary or Poland and great caution had }>ecn exercised in connection with their admittance. There had formerly been much agitation against the Government because more refugees had not been admitted. A* to the character of those who were in the country the greater nunvber had justified the care taken in their selection. In a few cases where dombts had developed appropriate measures had been taken. Appropriate steps had also been taken in connection with other aliens who could not be classed as refugee*. The police had ample powene and had exercised them to the fullest. "I must congratulate the Minister on the broad view he has taken," said Mr. Jackson. "I would point out that many of the aliens here are prepared to serve with the Empire's forces, but are unable to, owing to the fact that they cannot get naturalisation papers. But they are ! willing to give their services in any direction where they may be required." The letter from the Attorney-General was received.