AUSTRALIA SIGNS TO TAKE DISPLACED PERSONS

Chronicle (Levin), 24 July 1947, Page 5

AUSTRALIA SIGNS TO TAKE DISPLACED PERSONS

•Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. GENBVA, July 23. The j: Australian Minister of Immigration, Mr. Calwell, has signed a formal agreement hetween the Australian Government and international Keiugees' urganisation covering the migration of displaced persons from Europe to Australia. Mr. Arthur Altmeyer, executive secretary, who signed on hehalf of the preparatory commission of the International Refugees' Organisation, said he looked on the agreement as a model - and hoped other governments would see fit to follow the fine lead Australia had given. He added that Australia had a name "for leading the world in social affairs and humanitarian prohlems. Australia, under the agreement, will send immigration officials to Europe to select the migrants without dis crimination of race or religion. The heads of family units may he accompanied hy all memhers of their immediate family and other relatives dependent on the head of the family Offtcers will examine other cases "deserving special consideration from humanitarian standpoints". The migrant who goes to Australia without his relatives or dependents, shall have the right to nominate kinsfolk for admission to Australia after he has lived there three months. Australia, owing to the long shipping haul, will make an e'x gratia payment of £10 to the International Refugees' Organisation for each adult transported. Mr. Calwell and Mr.* Altmeyer agreed that Australia should take 4000 in 1947 and 12,000 yearly there after if the International Refugees' Organisation could supply the shipping.