AMERICA'S OPEN DOOR

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 44, 20 August 1940, Page 9

AMERICA'S OPEN DOOR

QUESTION OF SAFE CONDUCT

(By Air Mail—From "The Post's" Representative.)

NEW YORK, August 9. It is regarded as practically certain that British children will be brought to the United States in American ships. A nation-wide movement arose to a clamorous pitch when it was learned that the British • Government was forced to suspend shipments, owing to the difficulty of providing naval escort for the ships. Americans of every station in life are determined that the plea of British parents, who registered 200,000 children for expatriation, shall not be made in vain.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives gave prompt and unanimous endorsement to legislation drafted for the purpose. The only issue at stake, the quetsion of safe conduct guarantees, is likely to be left to the discretion of President Roosevelt. "Undoubtedly, Hitler would sink a ship loaded with angels from Heaven if he believed a military advantage would be gained," says the "New York Times." "He probably would not sink one if the only likely result would be to infuriate a nation which is still legally neutral."

The desire for speedy action has given rise to several suggested alternatives. The Mercy Ships for Children Committee considered having the children sent to Ireland until arrangements could be completed to bring them to this country. Another suggestion was that they be flown to Iceland by Imperial Airways transport planes. Iceland would be even less hazardous than Ireland as a temporary refuge.

The United States Government has opened the door, as regards issuing visitors' visas to the children, and will not insist oh the limited immigration quota applicable to the United Kingdom. Clergymen throughout the country are urged to canvass their parishoners for homes, not necessarily for a few thousand privileged children but all who come.

American newspapers are receiving letters from parents in the Old Country, expressing their gratitude for the solicitude of those 'who have offered homes to children. "My little daughter," writes an English mother, "sailed last week to friends who did not hesitate one moment when asked to help. She—like many others—has father and two brothers in the fighting forces, and they can continue to fight with lighter hearts and brighter hopes, knowing that she and all the other little potential mothers and fathers of the race are safe."

Joyce Jamieson, of 9 Ferguson Street, fell from a see-saw in the Island Bay play area early yesterday afternoon and fractured her collar-bone and suffered injuries to her back. The Free Ambulance took her to hospital.