[Page 1.]

[Letterhead:] PRIME MINISTER

TC/FK.

A. 154/6/3.

[Underlined heading:] Acceptance of migrants from Russia.

[Underlined marginal subheading:] Representations of Mr. Matthews, M.P.

Under date 19th February, Mr. James Mathews, M.P., wrote to the Acting Prime Minister, stating that Mr. A. Bruin, 163 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park, was desirous of nominating as immigrants several persons now living in Russia. Mr. Mathews asked whether the Government would take into consideration the altered position of the Russians now that their Government is recognised by the British Government, and place them in the same position as other foreign nationalities.

[Underlined marginal subheading:] Present position re migrants from foreign countries.

The present position with regard to the nomination of migrants from foreign countries is as follows: -

“In April 1921 the Prime Minister (Mr. Hughes) approved of a recommendation by the Superintendent of Immigration (Mr. Gullett) that the nominees be accepted from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, France, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland and Italy where such nominees are the close relatives of people resident in Australia. No restrictions were imposed in regard to the occupations of nominees from the countries mentioned. The Commonwealth contributes one-third of the passage money in these cases, but the British Government does not share such contributions.

In May, 1922, Mr. Hughes approved of the extension of the nominated passage system to Czecho-Slovakians, Esthonians [sic] and Dalmatians, conditional on their being agriculturalists and the close relatives of persons resident in Australia. At the same time, Mr. Hughes decided that this system was not to be extended to Maltese.”

[Underlined marginal subheading:] Decision of Cabinet, October, 1923.

In October, 1923, the following recommendation was submitted by the Deputy Director of Commonwealth Immigration:

“Nominations may be accepted in favor of close relatives, including cousins and fiances, from any foreign (European) country other than an ex-enemy country, provided that the nominators are engaged in a rural industry, and that their nominees intend to engage in such an industry, or are the wives and/or children (under 21 years of age) of residents of Australia.”

This matter was considered by Cabinet on the 12th October, 1923, and the file was minuted by the Acting Prime Minister to the effect that Cabinet had decided to adhere to the existing practice, which is set out above.

[Underlined marginal subheading:] Views of the Home and Territories Department.

The matter was referred to the Secretary, Home and Territories Department, who advises that it is still necessary (apart from the question of assisted passages) for special permission to be obtained for Russian subjects to enter Australia. The Home & Territories Department suggests that Mr. Mathews be informed that if Mr. Bruin will furnish that Department with the names, ages and any other available information, including particulars as to

/ relatives

[A piece of paper is attached to the bottom of the page with the filing information: Prime Minister’s Department, Correspondence file, multi-number series (second system): ‘Immigration encouragement policy. Nominated and assisted passages’, 1919-1926 Commonwealth Archives Office: CRS A458, item A154/6.

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relatives in Australia (if any) respecting the Russians in question, the matter of allowing them to enter the Commonwealth will receive consideration.

[Underlined marginal subheading:] Views of the Deputy Director of Immigration.

The Deputy Director of Commonwealth Immigration, to whom Mr. Mathews’ letter was referred, advises that, so far as his office is concerned, it would be undesirable to extend the concessions under the assisted passage scheme to Russians at the present stage. He states that if the question of giving consideration to Russians is discussed at a later date, it should be borne in mind that any concession can only be given to the close relatives of the nominating party.

Submitted as to whether Mr. Mathews should be advised as suggested by the Department of Home and Territories and also informed that the Commonwealth does not grant assisted passages in such cases.

7th March, 1924. [Date underlined.]

[Handwritten annotation:] Advise Mr. Mathews as suggested by H&T Dept. [Home and Territories Department.]

12.3.24. P.M.G.

[A piece of paper is attached to the bottom of the page with the filing information: Prime Minister’s Department, Correspondence file, multi-number series (second system): ‘Immigration encouragement policy. Nominated and assisted passages’, 1919-1926 Commonwealth Archives Office: CRS A458, item A154/6.

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