Paper Says Govt. Being Stampeded

Press, Volume C, Issue 29643, 13 October 1961, Page 13

Paper Says Govt. Being Stampeded

(N ZJM .-Rtuter— Copyright)

LONDON, October 12. British newspapers today gave a cool reception to the Home Secretary’s speech yesterday on restricting immigration into Britain.

The "Guardian” called the possible measures “a sad development. By these (proposed) checks (on immigration) the Government will end a chapter of Commonwealth history,” it said. “However carefully they are administered, in practice they may well amount to a form of colour bar . . . “Will this mean in practice that people from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are less closely scrutinised, just because they are more likely to get jobs quickly, than people from Jamaica or Trinidad? “The Government gives the impression of having been stampeded on this issue,” the “Guardian” said. The “Guardian" said that with free entry to be limited “the Commonwealth seems to shrink and one wonders what will be left to offer the Conservative Party as an alternative to the European Economic Community. The Government's move closer to control of Commonwealth immigration will have an immediate international effect . . .” The “Guardian” report said that before the Cabinet took any decision about introducing the legislation the Government was expected to open discussions with the three Governments principally involved—lndia, Pakistan and the West Indies Federation. There was some feeling, the report said, that home Governments might agree to ration immigrants. “The Times” said: "Britain is a country whose whole his-, torical evolution is the result of immigration, absorption, and integration of races. In

the long run it would be a disaster were this tradition to be abandoned. “Equally the doctrine of colour discrimination is repugnant.” The "Daily Worker” said: “What Mr Butler proposes to d will strengthen the hands of the racists and Fascists in Britain.” If Britain restricted immigration from the Commonwealth —as the Home Secretary had indicated—it would come into line with the policies of other Common, wealth countries, the “Daily Sketch" said, for they all regulated the entry of immigrants. These. i|. said, were the restrictions imposed: Australia.— There was a policy of confining immigration to wtilte people. Canada.— All intending immigrants must pass medical examinations and ghere was a reluctance to accept anyone who might be a charge to the country. Ceylon.— Permission was granted only if there was a suitable job available and an immigrant must prove he had the means of returning to his own country if necessary. Pakistan. There were special visa restrictions against Indians and South Africans. They must have a job waiting for them. They must deposit a sum of cash with the Government which was returned when they leave. India.— lf would-be immigrants could give proof of a job and their health was 100 per cent., they were allowad to enter the country. Rhode*!* and NyaaalandL— Immigrants must have a residence permit signifying good health, no criminal record, and a job to go to.