Cuba Turns Away 917 Jewish Refugees

Northern Advocate, 3 June 1939, Page 6

Cuba Turns Away 917 Jewish Refugees

HAVANA (Cuba), June 2. The German liner St. Louis, carrying 917 Jewish refugees, of whom 500 are women, and 150 children, was ordered immediately to leave the port by decree of the President of Cuba, Dr. Frederico Bru, on pain of being escorted from territorial waters by a gunboat. Many of the passengers had visas to other countries, of which, however, they were unable to make use, because they were not permitted to land.

One man attempted to commit suicide by slashing his wrists, and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Many others threatened suicide, and police boats sburrounded the liner in an effort to frustrate them, while guards were stationed among the passengers.

Pleas to Dr. Bru from several American Congressmen to permit the refugees to land failed. The Hamburg-Amerika Line has protested to Cuba against the refusal to permit 922 Jewish refugees to land at Havana from the steamer St. Louis, and is particularly incensed by a threat to tow the vessel from the harbour, claiming that maritime practice gives the master at least four days to argue his case, says a message from Hamburg; Later the Hamburg-Amerika Line cabled the master to return to Germany with the Jews if they were not landed immediately.