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Polish Government Issuing Identification Cards, Not Passports, to Israel-bound Jews

September 28, 1949
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The Polish Government is issuing identification cards for Jews who are being given permission to immigrate to Israel, instead of the customary passports, it was learned here today.

When an applicant for a passport for Israel is notified that his application is being processed he goes to the Ministry of Public Administration where he signs a statement surrendering Polish citizenship and then is given the identification card because passports are only issued to citizens. Currently about 60 persons a day are receiving identification cards.

Talks are now going on between the Israel consulate here, which is organizing transport facilities for the emigrants, and representatives of various countries through which the Jews will have to pass on route to Israel. Thus far the emigrants will have the choice of travelling overland to Italy where they will embark for Israel or all the way by sea from a Polish port. None of them will be permitted to cross France to Marseilles, even those who have already been issued French transit visas.

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