General Calles President-elect of Mexico Renews Invitation for Jewish Immigration into Mexico

The invitation to Jewish emigrants to settle in Mexico was renewed today by General Plutarco Elias Calles, laborite president-elect of Mexico who is here on his way back to Mexico from Europe, in a signed statement issued to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

President Calles, in summarizing his impressions in Europe, declared that while visiting the capital cities, he was constantly approached by various Jewish organizations with regard to Jewish immigration into Mexico as a result of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s interview with him on his first visit to New York. In the various European centers, he observed the plight of the many thousands of stranded Jewish refugees and it is his opinion that it is an absolute necessity to alleviate this condition.

In his signed statement. President Calles states:

“I wish to confirm the statement I made in my interview with Mr. John Simons of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on August 10th in which I extended a friendly invitation for immigration into Mexico of Jews who are prepared to join with the Mexican Nation in the upbuilding of the national industries of the country, as law-abiding citizens.

“I am gratified to hear that Jewish organizations are concerning themselves with the project of assisting their unfortunate co-religionists abroad to establish themselves in Mexico and thereby provide an excellent addition to the industry and thriftiness of the Mexican Republic.

“The Government of Mexico in so far as its good offices are needed will help these people to adapt themselves and prosper as citizens of Mexico.”

(Signed) “P. ELLAS CALLES.”

In his previous interview President Calles stated, “Mexico is now passing through a period of agrarian reforms. The policy of my government will be to welcome all Jews who wish to come to settle in Mexico and to accord them protection and help. The only condition for immigration to Mexico is that they obey the laws of the country. The Mexican Consuls abroad are already instructed to issue freely visas to Jewish emigrants. Of course, in order to insure the success of the Jewish settlement in Mexico it should be carried out on a well-prepared scheme.

“The first line of action that suggests itself would be the agricultural settlement. In this respect I could tell you that the Mexican Government is greatly interested in obtaining Jewish settlers. Our Minister of Agriculture. Senor Ramon de Negri. follows closely the development and maintains contacts with Jewish organizations which are interested in Jewish settlement in Mexico.”