The Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1938. JEWISH REFUGEE PROBLEM.

Evening Star, Issue 23124, 25 November 1938, Page 8

The Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1938. JEWISH REFUGEE PROBLEM.

It is unjust that the solution of a problem created by Nazi intolerance and bigotry should become a burden upon the conscience and material resources of other peoples. The Nazis are callously insensitive to the sufferings of their Jewish fellow-citizens. The ultimate causes of the inhumanity are, it must be admitted, not apparent to those out of touch with the actual situation; but there can bo no condonation of a crime that affects alike the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the innocent and the guilty. Hundreds of thousands of the afflicted creatures have been reduced to penury, and great numbers of them are fain to fly the country if they can make their escape. But where are they to go ? The natural desire of the pious Jew is to return to the Holy Land, but the difficulties confronting him in that direction seem to bo insuperable. Unless a transformation takes place in the present Palestinian situation it will be long ero the Biblical prophecies are fulfilled. And wherever the eye turns similar obstructions are seen. Human rights and vested interests have been established over every inch of the earth’s cultivable area, and it will not do to penalise one people in the interests of another. A home for the Jew must be found by paying an equitable quid pro quo. Mr Savage has made it known that New Zealand will do her share to provide for the refugees. Clearly, this must entail sacrifices upon the whole population of the country; and similarly in the case

of other countries. Nevertheless, the sacrifices must be made. The statesmen of all the leading nations recognise this, and there has been an admirable response to the cry for assistance, considering the difficulties involved. It seems utterly improbable that the Hebrew people will find their rest in one particular territory, there to develop into a unified and autonomous nation. The suggestions that have been offered in respect to lands are great in their diversity, but they seem to be narrowing down to two countries in particular—Africa and South America. In the former, Tanganyika and Kenya on the east, Rhodesia in the centre, and a number of areas in the west have been mentioned. The most recent statement of Mr Chamberlain in the House of Commons indicates British Guiana, in the north of South America, as the most suitable place for the purpose. So far as Tanganyika is concerned, the only suitable areas for large-scale settlement He in the southern highlands and in the western province, and in all they amount to about 50,000 acres. In Kenya, a private scheme is already in operation. Northern Rhodesia and Nyassaland appear to offer scope for small-scale settlement. British Guiana seems more hopeful, and Mr Chamberlain said that the whoie area available would not bo less than 10,000 square miles. This is described as thicklywooded hill country, well watered, with a milder climate than the coast. Its products include citrus fruit, coffee, mica, gold, and bauxite. Other portions are mostly broad savannahs and mountains with dense forests, and an even milder climate. Here the prospects for farming and cattle-raising are considered good. It is an extraordinary situation to have arisen so suddenly aud tragically. The idea of establishing the Jewish people in a home of their own has often been spoken about, but to have developed so rapidly into a problem demanding an immediate and practical solution is scarcely realisable. The Jew seems destined to remain in a condition of dispersion. What his ultimate destiny will he no one can tell, but a people that has displayed so amazing a resistance to the trials and vicissitudes that have fallen upon them must surely be capable of achieving strength and greatness in the end.