DEPORTATION OPPOSED

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28491, 22 January 1958, Page 11

DEPORTATION OPPOSED

Refugee Case Deplored (NJS. Press Association— Copyright! (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 20. The case of three Hungarian refugee families, ordered to leave Britain as stowaways, has inspired indignant comment in a number of British newspapers today. The “Daily Mail” said: “The deplorable episode left a nasty taste in the mouth. “At best this was gross incompetence: at worst heartless officialdom. Such callous behaviour is not typical of our country. But it will get us a bad name unless prompt steps are taken to fix the responsibility.” The “Daily Herald” commented: “We have nothing to be proud of in our treatment of these Hungarians. The only way to make amends is to let them stay.”

Candidus, writing in the “Daily Sketch,” in an article headed “Sack the Fool Who Shames Britain” called for the name of the person tesponsible for the Hungarians* treatment to be made public. “Who was to blame for this heartless fiasco? I exonerate the police, who were doing a distasteful job handed out to them from Whitehall. But I cannot excuse the Home Office for so brutally bungling the job,” Candidus said. “Whoever was responsible deserves to have his nose rubbed well and truly in the mess he’s made of it. And let’s have this fool’s name—now. “We don’t want people like this in our Public Service. This whole affair will do us damage abroad,” Candidus said. The “Daily Express” also deplored the incident. It said: “Britain has the best record of any nation towards Hungarian refugees. Other nations would do wall to match it. “The pity is, then, that police conduct in the case of the stowaways should tarnish it. But. in allowing one of the mothers to stay here for the birth of her baby the Home Secretary sets an example of humanity to his subordinates.” Debate In Commons The future of the unborn baby of one of the refugees is expected to be a major topic of debate when [ Parliament reassembles today. A statement on the Govern- , ment’s attitude towards the baby and its parents may overshadow the international and domestic ‘ events of the day. . The mother-to-be .is Mrs Julia ' Farkas, aged 29. The Government action has

aroused a storm of protest from the Labour Opposition and in sections of the press. The refugees, comprising three families, came to Britain as stowaways from Brazil in the liner Highland Monarch last week. The baby, due to be born within 48 hours will be immune from a deportation order. Mrs Farkas Is pinning her hopes of a future in Britain on the theory that the

Government will not order the deportation of the parents of a British citizen only a few days old. And the other two Hungarian families are hoping that official lenience towards Mr ahd Mrs Farkas wiU be automatically extended towards them as well. The Home Secretary, Mr R. A. Butler, is expected to make a statement in the House of Commons today. The Government’s attitude to date has beeh that the Hungarians went voluntarily to Brazil, were accepted by that country, and can no longer be regarded as refugees. The Opposition is determined to launch a strong attack on the Government for its handling of the matter.