A policy of “indiscriminate admission” of Austrian refugees to England was ruled out today by Home Secretary Sir Samuel Hoare in a statement in the House of Commons.
The British Government, Sir Samuel Declared, could not pursue such a policy although it was desirous of maintaining its traditional policy of asylum for persons who, for political, racial and religious reasons, were forced to leave their own country.
Pointing out that each case must be considered on its own merits, the Home Secretary asserted that indiscriminate admission would create difficulties from the police view point and aggravate the unemployment, housing and other social problems.
Sir Samuel’s statement was made in reply to a query by Capt. Victor Cazalet, Conservative, who disclosed that about 50 Austrian Jewish refugees had been refused permission to enter England in the past week and wanted an official explanation of the immigration officers’ attitude.
Sir Samuel declared that while it was proposed to pursue as far as practicable the policy of offering asylum, it might be essential to avoid the impression that the door was open to immigrants of all kinds, otherwise such large numbers would apply that it would be impossible to admit them.
The home secretary expressed the desire that admission be not refused to suitable applicants, such as persons in the world of science, the arts, business and industry, whose work would be advantageous to the country. He warned, however, against the danger of overcrowding the professions.
Sir Samuel said that sympathetic consideration had been given to Austrians already in England, on the questions of naturalization and prolongation of stay. His statement was followed by several questions and demands for league action on behalf of the refugees.
Illustrative of sentiment here, particularly in liberal quarters, for generous treatment of refugees, is Col. Josiah Wedgwood’s attempt to introduce a bill enabling Austrians entering the country within six months of the law’s passage to secure british naturalization. Although the bill was defeated, it marshalled 142 votes.
While no figures are available on the number of refugees denied shelter here since the Austrian coup, 13 have been turned back at the Croydon Airport alone and an estimated 50 at channel ports. On the other hand, many refugees who can give evidence of being able to comply with the stringent regulations are admitted. These include physicians who are not permitted to practice here until they obtain british medical degrees.
The chief difficulty for immigration officers is the fact that persons admitted with Austrian passports cannot later be deported. If Germany does not grant new passports, the officials must consequently consider the refugees permanent settlers. Tragic consequences frequently follow refusal to permit entry. Thus, last week two Jews committed suicide on a channel boat after having been turned back from an english port.
Last night a young German-Jewish couple, mr. And Mrs. Franz Nurinski, who fled from Germany to Austria and thence to France, were picked up in the channel, drifting helplessly in a sailboat in which they had been trying to reach England. Denied refuge here, the couple have been compelled to remain on the steamer which rescued them and which is proceeding to Marseilles.
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