The Refugee Problem

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22451, 12 July 1938, Page 10

The Refugee Problem

The New Zealand delegate’s vague and equivocal speech at the Evian conference on the refugee problem can at least be welcomed as the first definite indication that the New Zealand Government is participating in the work of the conference. Moreover, in view of the Government’s obvious anxiety to shelve the whole question of immigration, it is perhaps some consolation that the door is still open, even if it is not open very wide. Yet it could be wished that, if only for the sake of appearances, New Zealand’s official response to the appeal for her co-operation in this task had been a little less grudging. In the last year or two New Zealand representatives at Geneva have not hesitated to take a strong and independent line,' and to proclaim the need for an international approach to the political and economic problems which now beset the jvorld. For perhaps the first time since the Great War, New Zealand has been given the opportunity to assist practically in an international undertaking of the first importance. If she rejects that opportunity, or avails herself of it only half-heartedly, she risks the reproach that, in international affairs, she is readier with words than with deeds. It is possible that the admission of immigrants in any substantial number might create economic difficulties and difficulties of social adjustment: but the plight of the many thousands of victims of political persecution who are now seeking new homes is so desperate that the people* of New Zealand should be prepared, should indeed be glad, to make some sacrifice to assist them. Moreover, it is worth remembering that sacrifices will be for the short period only and that over the long period the immigration to New Zealand of Austrians and Germans of the type now incurring the displeasure of the Nazi regime will be of incalculable benefit. There is hardly a single record in history of a country which has regretted giving asylum to the victims of tyranny: there are, on the contrary, many examples of countries whose tolerance in this matter has enriched them economically and culturally.