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322 Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London, to Mr J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister

Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 2 December 1938, 5.14 p.m.

Refugees. Minister's statement [1] received widespread publicity
London and provincial press. 'Times' leading article: 'Australia
has made characteristically generous contribution to solution of
refugee problem. Conditions on which they are to be admitted show
that Government have forestalled objections of Australians who
fear refugee immigration may promote formation unassimilable
foreign communities or lower high standard living. Commonwealth
Government have certainly done full share in admitting these
15,000 immigrants. It is hoped other countries within British
Commonwealth and outside will follow their example!

BRUCE

1 The statement in the House of Representatives on 1 December 1938
by John McEwen, Minister for the Interior. See Commonwealth
Parliamentary Debates, vol. 158, pp. 2534-36.


[ANL : PAGE 678]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
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