JEWISH REFUGEES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20821, 3 June 1939, Page 7

JEWISH REFUGEES

NOT WANTED IN CUBA MANY THREATEN SUICIDE -United Press A«sn.—Elec. Tel. Copvrlirh! HAVANA (Cuba), June 2 The German liner St. Louis, carrying 917 Jewish refugees, of whom 500 are women and 150 children, was ordered immediately to leave the port by decree of the President of Cuba, Dr. Federico Bru, on pain of being escorted from territorial waters by a gunboat. Many of the passengers had visas to other countries of which, how-ever, they were unable to make use because they were not permitted to land. On© man attempted to commit suicide by slashing his wrists, and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Many others threatened suicide, and police boats surrounded the liner in an effort to frustrate them, while guards were stationed among tiie passengers. Pleas lo Dr. Bru from several American Congressmen to permit the refugees to land failed.

PROTEST BY COMPANY THREAT CAUSES RESENTMENT POWER OF SHIP’S MASTER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 3, li a.m.) HAMBURG, June 2 The Hamburg-Amerika Line has protested to Guba against the refusal to permit 922 Jewish refugees to land at Havana from the steamer St. Louis. They are particularly incensed at the threat to tow the vessel from the harbour, claiming that maritime practices give the master at least four days to argue a case. Later the Hamburg-Amerika Company cabled the master to return to Germany with the Jews if they were not landed immediately.