TL;DR
In 1939, the German ship MS St. Louis carried 937 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite their hopes for safety, most were denied entry by Cuba and the U.S., with many later perishing in Nazi camps. This voyage underscores the tragic consequences of immigration policies of the era.
The MS St. Louis, a German ocean liner carrying 937 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, was turned away by Cuba and the United States in 1939, forcing many to face peril in Europe. This event highlights the failures of international refugee policies and the human toll of immigration restrictions during that period.
On May 13, 1939, the MS St. Louis set sail from Hamburg with hopes of reaching safety in Cuba, carrying 937 refugees, including many who had endured persecution such as Aaron Pozner, a Dachau survivor. Captain Gustav Schröder, a non-Jewish German, led the voyage, ensuring respectful treatment of passengers amid the tense political climate.
Upon arrival in Havana on May 27, the ship was denied entry due to Cuba’s new immigration law, Decree 937, which invalidated previously issued visas and imposed strict restrictions on foreign arrivals. Only 29 passengers were allowed ashore—most holding valid U.S. visas or Cuban/Spanish citizenship—while the rest remained stranded at sea.
Despite efforts by U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Cordell Hull, to persuade Cuba to accept the refugees, the Cuban government maintained its stance. The ship was eventually forced to return to Europe, where many passengers sought refuge in various countries, but historians estimate that approximately a quarter of the refugees later perished in Nazi death camps.
Why It Matters
This event exemplifies the tragic consequences of restrictive immigration policies and the international community’s failure to provide refuge during a time of crisis. It remains a stark reminder of the human cost of turning away refugees fleeing persecution, echoing issues faced today in global migration debates.
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Background
The voyage of the MS St. Louis occurred shortly after Kristallnacht and during a period of escalating Nazi persecution of Jews in Germany. Many refugees had already faced significant hurdles in obtaining visas due to strict immigration quotas in the U.S., Canada, and other countries. The ship’s journey became a symbol of international indifference and policy failure, with its tragic aftermath influencing refugee policies in subsequent years.
“We are carrying innocent people who seek only safety and freedom.”
— Captain Gustav Schröder
“Leaving Germany was the only chance to survive. We believed Cuba and the U.S. would help us.”
— Aaron Pozner, refugee
“We made efforts to persuade Cuba, but the decision was ultimately beyond our control.”
— U.S. officials (recorded in communications)
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What Remains Unclear
While it is well-documented that most passengers were denied entry and many later perished, the full details of individual fates remain incomplete. The exact number of refugees who survived or perished in subsequent years is difficult to confirm, and some accounts vary regarding the extent of diplomatic efforts to intervene.
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What’s Next
Historical analyses continue to examine the impact of the MS St. Louis voyage on refugee policies and international response. Commemorations and educational initiatives aim to raise awareness about the event’s significance. Currently, there are no plans for new developments, but researchers are exploring archives to uncover more personal stories.
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Key Questions
Why was the MS St. Louis turned away from Cuba?
Cuba had recently enacted Decree 937, which restricted entry to foreigners and invalidated previously issued visas, preventing most passengers from disembarking.
Did the United States try to help the refugees?
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Cordell Hull, made some efforts to persuade Cuba and other countries to accept the refugees, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the U.S. did not accept the ship’s passengers.
How many passengers were able to disembark in Cuba?
Only 29 passengers were allowed to land—most of whom held valid visas or citizenship documents, while the rest remained stranded at sea.
What happened to the refugees after the ship was turned away?
Many passengers found refuge in other European countries, but a significant number later perished in Nazi camps during World War II.
What is the historical significance of the MS St. Louis event?
It exemplifies the tragic consequences of restrictive immigration policies and remains a powerful reminder of the importance of humanitarian responses to refugee crises.
Source: History of Sorts – WORLD WAR II, MUSIC, HISTORY, HOLOCAUST
