The Soviet port of Vladivostok, in the Far East, may become a jumping-off place for thousands of refugees seeking homes in North and South America, Australia and South Africa, if the American program of substantial aid to Russia materialises, it was stated here today.
Current tense relations between Japan and America have closed the last exit to freedom for about 1,000 Jewish refugees stranded in Japan and many thousands in Shanghai. At the United States Maritime Commission where preparations are now being made “for any eventuality” in the matter of arranging transport from Japan, it was said today that the plans did not contemplate providing passage for anyone but American citizens, because of the shipping shortage.
At the State Department it was stated today that it would be impossible to determine here the number of refugees in Japan and occupied China who hold, or are seeking, visas for entry into the United States, but it was admitted that there were a substantial number in both places.
In view of the present situation in the Far East, it is extremely unlikely that Japanese shipping will touch at American or Canadian ports for some time. The calls by American President liners and freighters at Shanghai will similarly be abandoned. Canadian shipping is likewise to be restricted. However, the materialization of the program of substantial American aid to Soviet Russia may create a certain amount of trans-Pacific traffic from Vladivostok, since the steamers carrying freight from the United States to the Russian Far Eastern port will be able to carry passengers on their way back to the United States.
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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.
