ELLIS ISLAND SCANDAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15312, 13 August 1923, Page 9

ELLIS ISLAND SCANDAL.

ADVICE TO BRITONS.

"AVOID U.S."

A further case of indignity inflicted on a British subject at Ellis Island, the New York immigration station, was described in the House of Commons. Viscount Curzon asked Mr Ronald McNeill, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, if his attention had been drawn to the case of a British sea captain, who, he said, was proceeding on business and had his return ticket" in his pocket: All ids papers and passports were in perfect order. The American consul had informed him that he. would have no trouble, and yet this officer was landed into a wire, cage at Ellis Island with 30 foreigners and one Englishman and subsequently made to strip naked for examination for disease.

Mr McNeill replied: "I doubt whether the officer concerned can tell us anything as to the conditions prevailing on' Ellis Island which we do not already know. From what Viscount Curzon has said, there seems 1o be a case for representations to the United Slates Government, provided the officer concerned is prepared lo allow the use of his name. In the absence of any guarantee I hat innocent travellers will not be subjected to these indignities, I would recall what I said on June IS, Hint Ihe only real remedy is for British subjects lo abstain from proceeding lo Ihe United Slates. In reply lo another question, Mr MeXeill said: --"Having regard lo the unfortunate experiences of many British subjects, lliey can only he advised lo consider carefully whether a visit lo ihe lulled Sl;des is really necessary, and lo refrain where such necessity dues not exist."