The Jewish Trail of Tears The Evian Conference of ... - Haruth.com

elieved that Jews should not be excluded from the country for “racial reasons” and that
Chile would establish an “example” by receiving stateless Jews. 14
The Cuban representative, Dr. Juan Antiga Escobar, stated Cuba would not
accept additional refugees beyond the quota allowed in its immigration laws but would
agree to the “eventual admittance of capitalists who might contribute to the improvement
of our nation’s economy.” 15
Tirso Dominguez, the House of Representatives delegate
from the province of Santa Clara, introduced the Cuban Exclusion Act which barred
immigrants from a variety of Eastern and Central European nations, Africa, the Middle
East and China. Refugees from Austria possessing German passports would be admitted.
Exceptions would be made for those emigrants who had been diplomatic representatives,
lived previously in Cuba and owned local property, or aliens who possessed at least
$25,000 to invest in the domestic economy provided they did not threaten native
employment. Tourists would be required to post a $5,000 bond for a six month visa. 16
Cuba did, however, admit 12,000-20,000 German Jews between 1933-1944 due to a
Government policy of engaging in the “lucrative business [of] selling travel documents”
and maintaining its consulates in Nazi-dominated Europe following the closure of U.S.
Consular offices. 17
The episode of the S.S. St. Louis in 1939 dampened the Jewish
demand for visas.
14 ”Urges Chilean Open Door,” New York Times, July 14, 1938, 12.
15 “Cuba Seeks Capitalists,” New York Times, July 17, 1938, 23. Escobar served as Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Switzerland and permanent Delegate to the League of
Nations.
16 ”For Cuban Exclusion Act,” New York Times, July 3, 1938, 11.
17 Ryan, The Holocaust & the Jews of Marseille, 136.
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