A formal pledge that the British Government will not hand over to their oppressors any refugees who have sought haven in Britain was given the House of Commons today by Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
“It is inconceivable to me that His Majesty’s Government, now or at any future date, would hand over to their oppressors persons who have sought refuge in this country from persecution,” Churchill said.
The statement was made in reply to a request by Capt. Josiah Wedgwood, Laborite, that the Government pledge under no circumstances to turn over refugees to Hitler.
Yesterday Lord Croft announced in the House of Lords that refugees and other aliens whose loyalty could be satisfactorily proved would be given a chance to volunteer for active service. He pointed out, however, that “enemy” aliens were restricted at this time to service with the Pioneer Corps.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
