Myron C. Taylor, American vice-chairman of the Intergovernmental Refugee Committee, tonight expressed hope that Hitler would ease the “extreme persecution” and relax the “increasing pressure” on emigrants, and voiced confidence that means could be found, acceptable to Germany and nations of refuge, to save a portion of emigrants’ wealth.
Mr. Taylor, who recently returned from Europe, where he played the leading role in organizing the refugee committee, addressed a dinner in his honor at the Ritz-Carlton hotel given by the council on foreign relations. it was stated that this was the only address Mr. Taylor would make on the refugee question at this time.
“The present situation has brought death to hundreds, disaster to hundreds and fear to millions,” Mr. Taylor said. “It has fanned the flames of hatred and added new fears and prejudices to a world already burdened with gigantic unemployment problems, economic uncertainty and distress.”
“to anyone who has come into contact at first hand with this tragic exodus, there can be no apathy or prejudice, only a deep feeling of compassion and the realization that we are witnessing one of the most tragic happenings of modern times; a tragedy, moreover, which is for the most part entirely unnecessary and avoidable,” he continued.
He stated that the problem involved the question of placement and preparation of emigrants, particularly youths, for new life in new lands.
“Despite the difficulties involved, I am confident means can be found which will be acceptable both to the german governments and the governments of refuge whereby a considerable portion of this wealth (the refugees’) can be saved for emigrants to enable them to find, reach and establish themselves in new homes,” mr. taylor declared.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
