Will Open Britain’s Doors when Labor Problems Are Solved, Says Joynson-hicks

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The doors of England were barred to immigration only temporarily and will be reopened as soon as labor and housing difficulties are overcome. This statement was made by Sir Joynson-Hicks, Home Secretary, in an address he delivered at a dinner of the Jews’ Shelter and Immigration Body held last night.

Sir Joynson-Hicks also disavowed any anti-Semitic tendencies on his own part or in the administration of his department in relation to the handling of immigration and naturalization cases.

Whatever restrictions were imposed on immigration, he claimed, were the result of practical considerations based on the economic situation in the country.

“Fifty years ago,” he stated in his address, “when the Shelter was founded, the doors of Great Britain were wide open to immigrants. Now, owing to unemployment, they must for the time being be closed, but it is certain that as soon as labor and housing difficulties are overcome, the doors will again be flung open.

“I have been accused of anti-Semitic tendencies,” Sir Joynson-Hicks continued, “but I want to emphasize that I cannot discriminate between Jew and Gentile, or favor one case against another.”

Sir Joynson-Hicks called upon leading British Jews, such as Lionel Rothschild and others, to come to the Home Office to investigate the charge regarding discrimination against Jews in the matter of naturalization. “They would be convinced,” he stated, “of the fallacy of the accusation. When I came into office,” he stated, “1,000 naturalization cases were dealt with annually. Last year 1,300 cases were handled.

“Whenever the Jewish community has any need to call upon me, the doors of my office are always wide open to them. So long as I remain in office, I will see that no discrimination against any race is made,” he declared.