The French Government has decided to renew its offer of hospitality to the Exodus refugees, a representative of the French Foreign Office announced at a press conference today.
At the same time, he revealed the conditions which France had proposed to the British to govern the admission of the refugees. The British would have to furnish names and particulars of the volunteers–the spokesman stressed the word volunteers. After that, the French would issue collective entry visas for temporary residence to all Exodus Jews who volunteered.
Although the Foreign Office representative said that the Jews would be granted regular entry visas rather than transit papers, he added that the number of Exodus immigrants who entered would be subtracted from the total number of DP’s who are permitted to enter France en route to other countries. When the Jews arrive in the country they will be accommodated in “holiday” camps by Entre Aide Francaise, a JDC supported voluntary relief agency. Facilities will probably be readied for them by the end of this month.
Medical examinations and other formalities required before the immigrants can enter France will be carried out by British doctors and other personnel, although French officials may be assigned to observe the proceedings. The French will establish a control station at the border at Remagen to check the identity of the Jews and to make certain that each prospective immigrant is actually a volunteer.
In response to questions by newsmen, the French official revealed that France had suggested to Britain that the Jews be offered some sort of priority in the granting of Palestine immigration certificates, else they would refuse all offers made by the British and the French Government. However, the British have not replied yet to theproposal.
Finally, the spokesman revealed that the French legation in Hamburg and French liaison officials in the British zone were “cooperating” actively with British officials in an attempt to conclude the Exodus affair.
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