UNHAPPY JEWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 June 1939, Page 7

UNHAPPY JEWS

DENIED ENTRY TO CUBA UNDER PRESIDENTIAL DECREE. MANY THREATEN TO COMMIT. SUICIDE./ 3y Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright HAVANA, June 2. The German liner St Louis, carrying 917 Jewish refugees, of whom 500 are women and 150 children, has been ordered immediately to leave the port by Presidential decree on pain of being escorted from territorial waters by a gunbot. Many passengers have visas to other countries which, however, they are unable to use because they are not permitted, to land. One man attempted to commit suicide by slashing his wrists. He was admitted to hospital in a critical condition. Many others threaten to commit suicide. Police boats surround the liner and guards are stationed among the passengers in an effort to frustrate suicide attempts. Pleas to President Bru from several American Congressmen to permit the landing have failed.

RETURN TO GERMANY PROTEST BY SHIPPING COMPANY. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) HAMBURG. June 2. The Hamburg-Amerika Line has protested to Cuba against a refusal to permit 922 Jewish refugees to land at Havana from the steamer St Louis. They are particularly incensed at a threat to tow the vessel from the harbour, claiming that maritime practices give the master of a ship at least four days to argue his case. Later the Hamburg-Amerika Company cabled the master of the St Louis to return to German with the Jews if they are not landed immediately.