POLISH CHILDREN TO REMAIN IN NEW ZEALAND

Grey River Argus, 9 October 1948, Page 5

POLISH CHILDREN TO REMAIN IN NEW ZEALAND

Mr. Nash’s Assurance

P.A. WELLINGTON, Oct. 8 In the House of Representatives, Mr W. A. Bodkin (Nat. Central Otago) speaking to the vote for the Internal Affairs Department asked what was to become of the Polish refugee children who came to New Zealand during the war. He understood that there was considerable pressure from overseas to have the Polish children returned to Poand. He thought, in thenown interests, and in view of the state of affairs in Poland, and of the world situation, the children should be allowed to remain here. The Acting Prime Minister, Rt. Hon W. Nash said the children were being properly cared for in New Zealand. There was a real international difficulty associated with them, if taey had relatives who asked Polish Government to ensure the cmldi en s return. The New Zealand government’s only interest in the children was while they were in tms. country. Steps had been taken to ensure they had proper care. Unless there were reasons°which could not be overlooked the children would stay nerc. “There will be no compulsion for them to go back,, unless they have i « S “S°ves er would reSse ” S>id Ifc Nash It was felt do so.