DEPORTATION OF REFUGEES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25856, 29 May 1945, Page 9

DEPORTATION OF REFUGEES

Sir,—l wonder what treatment Inasmuch” would have meted out to Hitler had he been “ expelled ” from Germany and come out to New Zealand looking for sympathy. Why expect us to feel love for the emissaries he sent out before the war? 1 have every sympathy with genuine refugees, but,' as one who fought to right the wrongs they suffered In Europe think their right place was beside us in the front line. There are plenty of units they could have joined had they so wished as did many genuine refugees. Especially does this apply to the doctors who have firmly established themselves in this country. Practically every one Is of military age, and one I know of w as a captain In the Prussian Guards. A leopard does not change its spots “ Inasmuch ” seems to think the R-S-A needs to make attacks against so-called refugees in order to placate its warri r members. I do not know what service “ Inasmuch ” has given to his, or as suspect, her, country, but all the H.b.A, members are ex-” warriors, and as such have the respect of the present fightinp just earned the right to the little silver badge which “Inasmuch despises, and far from criticising the R.S.A for any “ revilings ” against refugees am more inclined to criticise it for not taking stronger action five years ago and had them all placed in their correct place—in internment camps. For a few years prior to the war tne Nazis sent out emissaries to all the countries of the world. New Zealand was one of the few gullible enough to swallow their stories. I think these people have had a very fair innings and if the 25,000 men due to return soon feel as strongly as I and others feel who have already returned, the Government will have to supply an army to protect it from the wrath of men who have spent many years fighting these refugees’ countrymen ana are wide awake to all their wiles.—l am, etc,, Five Years’ Service.

Sir,—The remarks made by Inasmuch ” are not only sensationally unpatriotic and insulting to the nation as a whole, but they also condemn one of our most humane organisations, the R.S.A i am ashamed to realise that there are people in this country who disgrace tne country and slight our fighting men in favour of foreigners who cannot even claim British nationality. In co 'i n t! t . r . ie : i like Russia and Germany (of the past) a person who talked on the borderline of treason as “ Inasmuch ” does would be shot and deservedly so. When the time comes for the refugees to go home again I strongly advise “ Inasmuch to go witn them. People who do not even support New Zealand’s soldiers are certainly not wanted here.—l am, etc., Ouija s bon. May 28.