Refugee Campaigns in the Communist Press in Britain and Australia in the 1930s

Evan Smith

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Chapter 15 Refugee Campaigns in the Communist Press in Britain and Australia in the 1930s

In: Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949

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Evan Smith

Evan Smith
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 396â420

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004689145_016

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Abstract

This chapter examines the response of the Communist Parties of Great Britain (CPGB) and Australia (CPA) to the refugee crisis of the 1930s. Both were internationalist parties that were opposed to colonialism and imperialism, with the CPA also being an important advocate for Aboriginal rights in the inter-war period. However, the CPA also had a complicated approach to immigration during this period and there were times when it criticised the chauvinism of the âWhite Australia Policyâ, whilst being reluctant to challenge the underlying anti-immigrationist attitudes of the labour movement at the time. This can be contrasted with the CPGB which seemed to be more welcoming of immigrants into the party, particularly those from the British colonies.

However, the looming threat of fascism and war in the 1930s moved both parties to become more vocal in support for refugees from Europe and challenge the existing immigration control systems. Italian, German, Spanish and Jewish refugees fleeing fascism and Nazism were welcomed by the Communist Parties, viewing them as allies against fascism, capitalism and war (especially those who had been part of their respective labour movements previously). This chapter explores how the CPGB and CPA emerged as forceful critics of the treatment of refugees by the British and Australian governments, who sought to significantly restrict refugees from Europe, particularly Jewish refugees. The chapter argues that this was a result of the anti-fascism of the Communist Parties in the inter-war period, which was to be fought both domestically and internationally. This was done as some sections of the broader labour movement were hesitant to welcome refugees into Britain and Australia.

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Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949

Series:Â Studies in Global Social History, Volume: 55/18Â andÂ Studies in Global Migration History, Volume: 55/18

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004689145

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 13 Mar 2025

Subjects
- History
  - Modern History
  - Migration History

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Part 1 Introduction

Part 2 The Metropole

Part 3 British Imperial Experiences

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Chapter 15 Refugee Campaigns in the Communist Press in Britain and Australia in the 1930s

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Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949

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Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949