The French Government yesterday offered to open the doors of four of its colonies to settlement by Jewish refugees from racial and political persecution.
In a carefully worded statement to the press, Colonial Minister Mariu Moutet stated there were possibilities for close land settlement by Jews in the following colonies: Madagascar, off the east coast of South Africa; New Caledonia and New Hebrides, large islands east of Australia, and French Guiana, in South America.
While warning against illusions of rapid mass colonization, which he declared was impossible, M. Moutet declared he foresaw good results under the following conditions:
1. Backing by a financially powerful body;
2. Careful exploration of the territories offered;
3. Good selection of the prospective settlers.
M. Moutet disclosed the colonization plans had been carefully studied by the ministry in collaboration with the Colonial Governors. He said the Governor of Madagascar has already gone on record in favor of the proposals.
The Colonial Minister, concluding his statement, declared: ” We desire to help the thousands who are victims of political, racial and religious passions.”
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