White Australia Policy Challenge

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31109, 12 July 1966, Page 17

White Australia Policy Challenge

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

SYDNEY, July 11.

A young Japanese woman visiting Australia will challenge the white Australia policy and refuse to return home.

Miss Kayoko Kitama, aged 30, a former secretary at Hokkaido police headquarters, is taking legal action in her fight to remain in Australia. She is being fully backed in her battle against the white Australia policy by the New Settlers’ Federation. “Illegal Document” The general secretary of the federation, Mr S. Baltinos today said Miss Kitama had been made to sign an “illegal” document in Japan before she came to Australia. “She signed a document agreeing not to seek employment, seek extension of stay, transfer her status or marry in Australia,” Mr Baltinos said. “The document is a direct attack on the United Nation’s

universal Declaration of Human Rights. "It is illegal and we will probably breach it on all counts. We will find Miss Kitama work, apply for an extension of stay and who knows she may even marry an Australian boy,” he said. Mr Baltinos said a barrister had already been briefed. Would Like To Settle Miss Kitama said she would like to settle in Australia. “I like the people and 1 would probably stay here forever If I were allowed to,” she said. “Australians 1 have met are not against Asians. I think the law prohibiting Asians 'from settling in Australia is (very outdated.”

I Miss Kitama’s visa will exIpire on July 19.