Explanation On Visa Issue Refused

Press, Volume C, Issue 29637, 6 October 1961, Page 13

Explanation On Visa Issue Refused

(N .Z.P. A .-Reuter—Copyright)

CANBERRA, October 5. The Australian Immigration Minister (Mr Alexander Downer) refused in the House of Representatives today to explain why he will not grant a visa to enable a London University lecturer, Mr Y. S. Brenner, to enter Australia. He told a Labour Opposition questioner, Mr Clyde Cameron: “Unless you want to destroy the security service, which I suspect, you should have been prepared to accept my explanation and not demand from the Government a revelation of information which no other country in the world would give. The refusal to grant a visa to Mr Brenner came after his appointment to the staff of Adelaide University. In the House of Representatives today. Mr Cameron said Mr Downer or his department should personally undertake to give the reasons in view of the fact that Mr Brenner now challenged the Minister to do this. Mr Cameron said a great damage had been done to Brenner’s and Australia’s reputation by the visa refusal. Mr Downer said he had already told the House the reason why Mr Brenner should not be admitted was a very serious security objection. Mr Brenner, aged 35, is a German-born Israeli. Plea By Brenner

Australian newspapers ’today published reports from London quoting Mr Brenner as begging the Australian Government to make public the allegations it has against him.

He was quoted as saying: “I do not care what they say about me or how much

my name is scorned because of it. “Until I know what I am accused of having done, it is impossible for me ■to refute the Government’s suspicions. “I have nothing to hide.” When Mr Brenner’s appeal was referred to Mr Downer outside the House of Representatives today he replied: “No comment—l have said all I am going to say.”