PERMITS FOR MIGRANTS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27990, 9 June 1956, Page 9

PERMITS FOR MIGRANTS

Allegations Of Forgery

SYDNEY, June 8. Members of the Australian Legation staff in Italy were probably involved in a “major scandal” over issuing forged Australian landing permits, a barrister said in the Sydney Water Police Court today.

He was Mr B. B. Boulter, who appeared for 20 Italians charged with being prohibited migrants. “The first thing in this matter is that it is no ordinary prohibited immigrant case,” said Mr Boulter.

“There are serious and exceptional facts. The position is that a major scandal surrounds the issue of landing permits which will become material when these cases come before the Court. I had only a few minutes with each of three accused. The whole of them, to a man, assert that they are not guilty of any wrongdoing in the issue of landing permits “When the facts are known it may reveal that the alleged forgery of landing permits—and I understand it is alleged the landing permits were forged—may show that it is only a technical forgery and may well involve someone on the staff of the Australian Legation in Italy,” Mr Boulter said. “I have sufficient faith in the Minister to believe that he will see fair play done. “This is not a matter for hasly action. This won’t be decided at anything less than Ministerial level. My 'instructing solicitor has been informed by the Consul-General for Italy that the Italian authorities are anxious to co-operate in ensuring that the full facts are placed before the Court. “It would appear that some officers on the Australian Legation staff are involved.” The Magistrate renfanded the men to next Thursday on bail.