REFUGEES IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26265, 9 November 1950, Page 7

REFUGEES IN BRITAIN

8000 WISH TO LEAVE

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 8 p.m. 1 LONDON. Nov. «, Strong criticism of local apathy towards European voluntary worker* now in Britain was expressed in Edinburgh by Brigadier Cyrus Greenslade, of the International Refugee Organisation.

Many people, he said, were surprised to know that these former displaced persons were in Britain for good. There was no sense of responsibility towards them, and there was certainly not sufficient opportunity for them to learn EnglishWhen it was announced that the International Refugee Organisation was winding-up. 25 000 letters were received from refugees wanting to come to Britain. Then came 8000 letters from foreign workers in Britain begging 1.R.0. to get them out. They wrote: “The British do not like us. and do not want us. except to work for them:”

Brigadier Greenslade added: “Most of these people are tied by labour con tracts. I have seen first-class European architects pulling turnips and skilled musicians working at the coal-face. After three years at jobs of that kind they should be considered to have worked their passage, but they are losing hope of ever being allowed to do their own jobs.**