IMMIGRATION OF JEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 13

IMMIGRATION OF JEWS

Sir, —Mr. M. D. Gray, writing under the above heading in Thursday's Herat, i), after drawing attention to the pleading circular letter broadcast by one of these suffering people as quoted in your issue of 24th inst., goes on to state that Australia has fixed a quota and, after mentioning that he understands that our authorities are sympathetic, goes on to inquire if they have a definite policy, if they have fixed a quota, if it is creditable and if it is known.

I am in a position to state that our authorities do not seem to have considered the matter in any statesmanlike or humanitarian way, that in spite of their reiteration of huiqanitarianism. Mr. Savage's claim that good cases will be favourably considered and the sympathetic and unselfish attitude of the majority of our people a dog-in-the-manger policy is given evidence of. Our legislation sots out that the matter is in the hands of the Minister of Customs (Hon. Walter Nash), yet it is handled by the Leader of the Upper House (Hon. Mark Fagan).

The feelings of the public have been allayed by the fact that for some reason which possibly Herr Hitler knows about there have been no cabled reports on the question for some time and many must have come to the conclusion that the has ceased,- whereas it is as bad as ever. Also it must be remembered that it is not confined to pure-blooded Jews or those of the Jewish faith. Were it taking place before the even, of our people their attitudo would be very different and they would insist that our Government do something real and practical and do it quickly as our share toward the amelioration of the lot of these suffering fellow creatures. Going to the bottom of the matter our inaction makes us parties to the Htm dcvilishness. Rise up New Zealand!