Object numberM2018/008:028
DescriptionIn March 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in the “Anschluss”. From May 1938, the racist Nuremberg laws applied in Austria, and Austrian Jews were steadily ostracised from their societies during the process of “Aryanisation.” This tension came to a climax in the Kristallnacht pogrom from 9th-10th November.
In the meantime, Hardy Brothers, a British jewellery-making firm, offer young Leo Steiner from Vienna employment in Sydney, Australia as a jewellery mounter in July 1938. However, the Gestapo threaten to arrest Jews issued with travel documents who do not leave within a short time. Whilst Leo’s Australian landing permit is pending, it is therefore prudent to seek temporary refuge in a third country. Before he is discharged from his erstwhile firm Vienna Art Designs, Leo’s employer Oscar Fastlich writes that his stay in Switzerland is necessary for business. In July, Leo moves to Zurich on a temporary stay visa, leaving his parents, Adolf and Hermine, and brother Paul, behind in Vienna.
Once established in Australia, Leo makes various applications to the Australian government for landing permits on behalf of his parents and Paul, all of which are denied. All three family members would eventually perish during WWII. This draft letter was written by Leo to the Zurich foreign police requesting a temporary visa for his brother Paul, which Leo writes in spite of previous failed applications. He promises to send his brother £2-3 pounds per week out of his Hardy Bros income during his prospective stay in Switzerland. Since the letter is a draft, it is unfinished and unsigned.
In the meantime, Hardy Brothers, a British jewellery-making firm, offer young Leo Steiner from Vienna employment in Sydney, Australia as a jewellery mounter in July 1938. However, the Gestapo threaten to arrest Jews issued with travel documents who do not leave within a short time. Whilst Leo’s Australian landing permit is pending, it is therefore prudent to seek temporary refuge in a third country. Before he is discharged from his erstwhile firm Vienna Art Designs, Leo’s employer Oscar Fastlich writes that his stay in Switzerland is necessary for business. In July, Leo moves to Zurich on a temporary stay visa, leaving his parents, Adolf and Hermine, and brother Paul, behind in Vienna.
Once established in Australia, Leo makes various applications to the Australian government for landing permits on behalf of his parents and Paul, all of which are denied. All three family members would eventually perish during WWII. This draft letter was written by Leo to the Zurich foreign police requesting a temporary visa for his brother Paul, which Leo writes in spite of previous failed applications. He promises to send his brother £2-3 pounds per week out of his Hardy Bros income during his prospective stay in Switzerland. Since the letter is a draft, it is unfinished and unsigned.
Production placeSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production date 1939-03-16 - 1939-03-16
SubjectHolocaust, Nazi political activities (1933-1939), refugee experiences in Australia, refugees, refugees, visa application, family life, landing permit
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- letter length: 260.00 mm
letter width: 209.00 mm
Language
- German To:
Foreign Police Canton
ZURICH
Kaspar Eschenhaus.
Leo Steiner, born 22.2.1918 in Prague, residing at 167 Paramatta Road, Annandale, Sydney, Australia, allows himself to put forward the following –
Request:
Since the application for my brother Paul Steiner, born 10.2.1921 and residing in Vienna, has been handed in on 8.2.1939 for an Australian landing permit, which I shall receive in 3 months, I would like to please request a temporary stay for my brother for a maximum of 2 months.
At the same time, so as not to become a burden to the state, I will assume responsibility for sending my brother 2-3 pounds per week.
Thanking your department in advance, and in expectation of a positive outcome, I shall attach my brother’s current address.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit