Shanghai Yesterday: (Shanghai Story Book Three) A WWII Drama Trilogy by Alexa Kang

Author:Alexa Kang [Kang, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lakewood Press
Published: 2020-03-30T04:00:00+00:00

At the office of the U.S. Consulate, Eden tried her best to remain patient as Joseph Whitman explained the situation with MS St. Louis. Once again, Clark was giving them a direct line of contact with someone who might have the means and ability to help the Weissmans. She was grateful, and she didn’t want to appear otherwise.

“What does it mean, Mr. Whitman, that the passengers must wait their turn like all other immigrants before they could be admitted into the United States?” Dr. Levine asked. “It’s been six days since that ship arrived in North America. How long would the wait be? How long do you all think the passengers can remain on that ship before it’s their turn?”

“That’s the State Department’s official line,” Whitman answered. When Cuba refused to accept any passengers except for four Spanish citizens, two Cuban nationals, and twenty-eight others who had U.S. visas, the ship’s captain, Gustav Schröder, sailed the ship to Miami, hoping the United States would take them in.

“We have immigration quotas,” Whitman explained, “but that would not be a concern for you, I promise.” He looked over at Isaac. “Mr. Weissman, if the ship eventually docks at our harbor, I have friends standing ready to issue visas to your parents, regardless of what the government’s official position is.”

Isaac scrunched his face. “They’re so close. They’re off the coast of Miami. Isn’t there any way you can send a dinghy or something to pick them up?”

Whitman stared at his hands. “It’s not that simple.”

“Mr. Whitman, can you tell us the truth?” Dr. Levine asked. “There’s no chance the U.S. would accept these passengers, is there? After all, your Congress wouldn’t even pass a bill to add more Jewish children to your quota. If they won’t even save the children, what’s the chance of them taking these passengers at all?”

“That’s right, Mr. Whitman,” said Mrs. Levine. “We do appreciate everything you’re trying to do for us. I know you’re only one man, and there’s only so much you can do. But please allow me to say this. It’s not only our friends the Weissmans who need help. Our people are being persecuted in Germany. Our very lives are at stake. The whole world knows that after what happened last November. These people on the ship are desperate. Your government is in a position to help. Why won’t they? We’re only talking about nine hundred and seven people. We have thousands arriving in Shanghai. Surely a big country like the United States can take a few hundred.”

“Yes.” Whitman rubbed his nose. “From a humanitarian standpoint, I absolutely agree. Unfortunately, back in Washington, things are more complicated.”

“What’s so complicated?” Mrs. Levine asked. Eden could see her mother felt angry, and her mother rarely got angry. “I respect that you have laws, and I understand your government might be concerned about more ships coming with passengers to seek sanctuary. But can’t the people in charge come up with plans on how to deal with that later? These people on the St.

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