Summary

Letter (draft) from Aileen Castillo to a Alejandro D Yango, dated 14 November circa 1950. (Mr Yango's name has been crossed out). The letter, written in ink, outlines the ongoing situation of Aileen and Agapito Castillo trying to reunite in Melbourne, as well as Aileen's loss and then re-gaining of her citizenship due to marriage. The purpose for which this letter was written is not known.

Philippines-born Agapito Castillo had married Aileen McColl in Melbourne while he was working for the British Phosphate Company and was detained there during World War II.

This item is part of a collection of material relating to the migration and settlement experiences of seamen from the Philippines during the post World War II era in Australia; and the experiences of the local Anglo-Australian women they married.

Physical Description

Lined cream notepaper with handwritten text in black ink.

Significance

This collection and story represents an important narrative in Australia's migration history, regarding the challenges faced by seamen from the Philippines caught in Melbourne during the outbreak of World War II and unable to return home, trying to settle in Melbourne and marry locally-born women of Anglo-Australian background. It also shows the prejudice these women themselves faced. The collection reveals a community of these men and women and their families, connected through family relationships; and it demonstrates the vagaries of bureaucracy, and the influence of the White Australia policy, still officially in force at that time.

More Information