Haven Looms for Several Thousand Refugees with Bolivian Visas

Relief for several thousand refugees who have Bolivian visas was indicated today in a cable received by the HIAS-ICA Emigration Association from La Paz announcing that the Bolivian Government has decided to admit such refugees at the rate of 250 monthly. The organization announced that it has been entrusted by the La Paz regime to select the quota at its own discretion and with the cooperation of the Bolivian Consul in London. (A La Paz dispatch to the N.Y. Times said Bolivia had initiated negotiations with the Argentine authorities for free transit for the refugees.)

Introduction of the quota for Jewish refugees climaxed long negotiations with the Bolivian Government by the Bolivian Jewish Immigration Committee, headed by Max Hochschild. It automatically cancels the recent Bolivian order barring admission to Bolivia after May 7 of Jews holding visas. The action also diminishes fear that Bolivia will be closed to immigrants in the future, as the HIAS-ICA is determined to use the organized immigration of visa holders to demonstrate that immigration of that character is generally an asset to Bolivia.

All Bolivia-bound steamers are booked in advance until next winter, thousands of visa holders having engaged passage, but the HIAS-ICA, desiring to avoid chaotic sailings, will assign passengers within the 250 quota to each steamer. At the same time, no shipping agent will be permitted to book passage without the organization’s consent in each case, thereby preventing tragedies similar to the St. Louis and also checking racketeering shipping agents.

Admission to Bolivia, under the above system, will be granted to all visa holders irrespective of which Bolivian Consulate issued the visas.