Agendum 130/1941 8 April 1941

ADMISSION OF POLISH REFUGEES FROM JAPAN

The Australian Minister at Tokyo [1] states that the Polish
Ambassador in Japan [2] has made strong representations to him in
regard to the Commonwealth agreeing to allow a certain number of
Polish refugees, at present in Japan, to enter Australia.

2. The matter was discussed at meetings attended by the Polish
Ambassador, the British Ambassador [3], the Canadian Charge
d'Affaires [4], and the Australian Minister.

3. It appears that there are about 468 souls to be provided for,
of whom it was proposed that 66 should be sent to Australia. The
Ambassador explained that-
(a) probably 90% would be Jews;

(b) about 50% would have ample means and that the remainder would
be provided with means;

(c) no fit men of military age would be included;

(d) Poland would undertake to receive everyone back on the
conclusion of peace;

(e) the Ambassador would guarantee the integrity, from a political
point of view, of everyone.

4. The Australian Minister, in a despatch, suggested that
favourable consideration might, upon grounds of general policy and
as a practical demonstration of both appreciation and sympathy, be
given to the admission of a limited number of Polish citizens.

5. In a subsequent cablegram [5] the Australian Minister stated
that the Polish Ambassador had informed him of discussions in
London with the Prime Minister [6] and he expressed the hope that
a favourable decision would be conveyed to the Prime Minister
before he left England. The Ambassador stated that he is arranging
for 'Goint', New York, a wealthy and responsible organization, to
give a guarantee of maintenance of the Jews during their stay in
Australia.

6. The Australian Minister adds that the safeguards appear to him
to be such that the granting of power to authorise visas to about
60 Polish Jews in Japan would be safe and only a reasonable
gesture to unfortunate Poland. He also said that the matter was
very urgent.

7. If it be decided to comply with Sir John Latham's
recommendation, it is suggested that Australia agree to receive up
to 66 of the Polish refugees in Japan subject to the following
conditions-
(a) that they be admitted for the duration of the war;

(b) that each person admitted is of good character and personality
and is in sound health;

(c) that preference be given to those who can speak English and to
those who have relatives or friends in Australia; and
(d) that each is possessed of or will be supplied with adequate
means. [7]

H. S. FOLL