HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc897-8
14. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Prime Minister what efforts have been made by representatives of His Majesty's Government to induce the Governments of a number of European countries to refuse transit visas to all Jewish applicants from Germany and Czecho-Slovakia with a view to checking illegal immigration into Palestine; and as this causes extreme hardship to refugees seeking to escape from persecution, will he undertake to make no more such representations?

Mr. Butler

No efforts have been made by representatives of His Majesty's Government to induce the Governments of any European countries to refuse transit visas in respect of Jewish applicants in general. But, as the hon. Member will be aware, there have been attempts by Jews from various countries, including Germany and Czecho-Slovakia, to enter Palestine illegally. In these cases His Majesty's Government have been in con- tact with a number of European Governments with a view to securing their cooperation to prevent this illegal traffic, which is a source of grave difficulties for His Majesty's Government, and not infrequently causes untold hardship to the refugees themselves.

Mr. Williams

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that, in the conversations referred to, foreign Governments have not been invited to provide transit visas for these immigrants?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government's activities have been devoted to the question of illegal immigration.

Mr. Williams

Is it not possible that, in the very legitimate attempt to prevent illegal immigration, grave hardship may be caused to fall upon many legitimate immigrants where facilities are afforded for them to enter Cuba or some other country?

Mr. Butler

That aspect, of course, must be remembered. I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for mentioning it.

Captain Cazalet

Is it not the case that the German Government sometimes force these unfortunate people to leave their country?