[Page number] 8

[Header:] THE SUNDAY SUN AND GUARDIAN, DECEMBER 10, 1944

[Headline:] Quota of Chinese migrants advocated

[Large text:] Repeal of the White Australia Policy and the introduction of an immigration quota system which recognises racial equality, is advocated by Victoria’s Australia-China co-operative association.

This is not a plank in the official platform of Sydney’s Australia-China Association.

“We are kindred organisations, but our ideals are not the same,” said Sydney Association executive secretary G. A. Wilson yesterday.

“The Melbourne association has gone further than us, and has put forward a number of proposals which some of our members would accept and others oppose. Our main objective is the development of a closer association and friendship between the people of the two countries.

[Subheading:] Chinese classes

“We are definitely non-political and non-sectarian.”

[Bold text:] Mr. Wilson said that it was hoped soon to have school classes for the teaching of Chinese and the exchange of Australian and Chinese cultural missions.

Plans also included the establishment in a city building of a China-Australia Centre, where the people of the two countries could get better acquainted. Here Australian and Chinese meals could be served, a library provided, and opportunities given for an exchange of views.

“The White Australia policy is a matter for the Australian Governments, and we are not out to tell any Government that it is wrong,” Mr. Wilson added.

[Subheading:] Purpose concealed

Publicity Officer G. H. Burchett sets out the views of the Melbourne Australia-China Co-operative Association in a pamphlet entitled: “China and the White Australia Policy.”

The association’s objections to the White Australia Policy, this pamphlet says, are:—

[Dot-point list:]

Its real purposes were concealed by a subterfuge—recognised as such by its framers—which completely fails in its object of avoiding offence, and has only become an irritant, as was shown by Mr. Casey’s reception in Bengal.

It represents “an attempt to remain static in a changing world.” It fails to take cognisance of the “immense changes in Australia, and ignores the great developments in the countries most affected by the policy.”

[Bold text:] Reasons given to justify discrimination “are based upon unscientific theories, which have no basis in fact, and are a menace to world co-operation, and to the spirit of the Atlantic Charter.”