TL;DR
In 1939, the German ship MS St. Louis carried 937 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany but was denied entry by Cuba, the U.S., and Canada. Most passengers faced tragic fates in Nazi death camps, illustrating the deadly consequences of refugee exclusion policies.
The MS St. Louis, a German passenger ship carrying 937 Jewish refugees, was turned away by Cuba, the United States, and Canada in 1939, resulting in many of its passengers eventually dying in Nazi death camps. This event exemplifies the tragic consequences of restrictive immigration policies and refugee denial.
On May 13, 1939, the MS St. Louis set sail from Hamburg with the goal of seeking asylum for Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Under Captain Gustav Schröder, the ship was treated as a symbol of hope, with passengers experiencing moments of joy and camaraderie during the Atlantic crossing. However, upon reaching Havana, Cuba, the ship was denied entry due to new immigration laws, despite many passengers holding valid visas. Only 29 of the 937 passengers were allowed to disembark, including those with U.S. visas and Spanish or Cuban citizenship.
American officials, including Secretary of State Cordell Hull, attempted to intervene, but Cuba’s government, led by President Federico Laredo Brú, enforced a strict new decree requiring bonds and explicit authorization, invalidating previous visas. The ship was forced to return to Europe, where many passengers ultimately perished in Nazi death camps. Historians estimate that approximately a quarter of the refugees aboard the St. Louis died during the Holocaust.
Why It Matters
This event highlights the impact of restrictive immigration policies and the importance of humanitarian responses to refugee crises. It serves as a historical example of the consequences of turning away vulnerable populations and underscores the need for international cooperation in refugee protection.
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Background
The voyage of the MS St. Louis occurred in the aftermath of Kristallnacht and amidst escalating Nazi persecution of Jews. Many passengers had already faced arrest, internment, and violence in Germany. The ship’s journey was an attempt to escape imminent danger, but changing immigration laws and policies in Cuba, the U.S., and Canada prevented safe passage. The event became a symbol of the world’s limited response to Jewish refugees and foreshadowed the Holocaust.
“We are the last hope for these people. We will do everything in our power to save them.”
— Captain Gustav Schröder
“The voyage of the St. Louis is a significant example of the consequences of turning away refugees in their time of greatest need.”
— Historian Michael Berenbaum
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear how many more potential refugees were turned away from other countries during this period or how different diplomatic efforts might have altered the ship’s fate. Details about the full extent of U.S. and Cuban government negotiations remain partially documented.
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What’s Next
Historians and policymakers continue to analyze the event’s lessons. Commemorations and educational programs aim to highlight the importance of humanitarian aid and open borders. Ongoing discussions about current refugee policies are often linked to this historical event.
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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 without strict conditions, invalidating previous visas held by the refugees. Despite some valid visas, the ship was denied entry based on new laws.
What happened to the refugees after they were turned away?
Most of the passengers returned to Europe, where many eventually fell victim to Nazi persecution and death camps. Only a small number found refuge in other countries, such as the U.S. and Spain.
How did the U.S. respond to the voyage?
American officials, including Secretary of State Cordell Hull, made efforts to persuade Cuba to allow entry, but these were unsuccessful. The U.S. did not accept the refugees aboard the St. Louis.
What lessons does this event offer today?
It highlights the importance of humanitarian considerations in immigration policies and the need for international cooperation to protect vulnerable populations fleeing persecution.
Source: History of Sorts – WORLD WAR II, MUSIC, HISTORY, HOLOCAUST
