22 JULY 1938, Page 20

THE REFUGEE TRAGEDY

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] Sta,—Let us accept, for the sake of argument, Mrs. Ellison's contention that a foreign employer settling in England will employ the greatest possible number of his own people. Such an employer, bringing his capital from abroad, if he employs no British labour will not diminish the possibilities of employ- ment for Englishmen. His employment will be entirely new employment. But no matter what his desires may be it will not be possible for him to employ only his fellow-nationals, and even if he effects the impossible, in process of time his first employees must be replaced by others who will not come from abroad. Moreover if he gives direct employment only to foreigners they—by their day to day purchases and demands for services—must increase the volume of employment of British shopkeepers, professional men, &c. Further, he will pay taxes, rates, rent, &c., and all of these will benefit the community—large or small—as a whole. Any new employer— even if he attains the impossible and employs only foreigners—must add to the wealth and welfare of the country as a whole.—Yours faithfully, ALBERT M. HYAMSON. . 32 Teignmouth Road, N.W. 2.