Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Latvia Bars Polish Refugees

September 13, 1939
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

It was revealed here today that yesterday’s mobilization of reservists was partly motivated by the determination to close tightly the Latvian-Polish frontier to an influx of refugees from the war zones.

A large proportion of the refugees comprise Jewish families, including women and children. Hundreds are fleeing on foot, by wagons and cars. They camp in the fields and clog the roads on the Polish side of the Latvian and Lithuanian frontiers. Those entering Latvia are sent back to Polish territory immediately.

Meanwhile, the Latvian Government has ordered 1,000 Jewish refugees from Germany, Austria and Czecho-Slovakia, who are illegally in Latvia or whose residential permits have expired, to work on forced labor projects such as roads.

The Zionist Organization has appealed to the Russian Government for transit visa arrangements for immigrants bound for Palestine via Odessa. Moscow replied that each case must be considered separately.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement