The scheme for the settlement of German-Jewish refugees in northern Australia has aroused the keenest interest here in connection with the Australian Government’s proposal to develop the northern section of the continent with white settlers in order to check the movement to permit Japanese colonization. Japanese immigration to Australia has been limited for years, and the white people here have always opposed further influx of the yellow races, but pressure is being constantly brought to bear to raise the barriers.
Sir George Pearce, Minister of Defense, declared today that the federal government will shortly complete the list of proposals for the development of northern Australia-He expressed extreme interest in the suggestion that a large Jewish colony go there.
The proposal for a Jewish colony in Australia, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learned, has also been strongly advocated by other high government officials. The matter has been occupying their attention for some weeks.
Sir George told the press today that the government scheme was all-comprehensive so far as white settlers went, and that there was no good reason why persons interested should not take advantage of the opportunity to move to northern Australia.
The Jewish community already in Australia is not too enthusiastic over the proposal. They are said to doubt the advisability of raising the large sums required for the project in view of the remoteness and bad climatic conditions of northern Australia.
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