PROBE INTO D.P. BABY MIGRANTS’ DEATHS: SHIP CONDITIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23043, 6 September 1949, Page 5

PROBE INTO D.P. BABY MIGRANTS’ DEATHS: SHIP CONDITIONS

(11.45 a.m.)

SYDNEY, Sept. 6.

Evidence now being examined by Government, authorities suggests ihat the deaths of 14 migrant babies after arrival in Australia from displaced persons’ camps in Europe are attributable to conditions and feeding aboard some migrant ships under charter to the International Refugee Organisation.

The Minister of Immigration, Mr. A. A- Calwell, intends to make a statement in the House of Representatives concerning the deaths. It is understood that the Commonwealth Government does not intend protesting to the International Refugee Organisation, but that it has already urged the organisation to provide better conditions on vessels bringing migrants to Australia. The Albury District Hospital Board has sent a letter to the Minister of Health, Mr. McKenna, the Minister of Immigration, Mr. Calwell, and the Hos-

pitals’ Commission stating: “It is our desire to place the matter before you and urge you to investigate the position -Which, at first sight, appears appalling.” After giving particulars of the cases, the letter says: “It appears certain that the same high death rate will continue. It seems that the immigrants and thenfamilies are in satisfactory and good condition on embarkation from the Continent. The conditions on some ships are good and, on arrival at Bonegilla. there is no more than normal illness.”