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Noted Journalists Among Dutch Refugees

May 20, 1940
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A. Cohen, former editor-in-chief of the Netherlands News Agency, arrived in London yesterday with five members of his staff after a two-day crossing of the North Sea in an open trawler with 40 other refugees.

Another Dutch Jewish publicist who reached London was Dr. M. van Blankenstein, chief editorial writer of the weekly Haagsche Post. He had formerly been editor of the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant, one of Holland’s foremost dailies, but was forced out of his position several years ago as result of German pressure.

Dr. Van Blankenstein revealed that German parachutists had instructions to capture and kill him, his anti-Nazi articles for many years having been a source of great irritation to Berlin. Following discovery of a blacklist of Dutch notables when a Nazi plane was shot down, Dr. Van Blankenstein was notified that his name was on the list and was advised to proceed immediately to Hook-of-Holland, where a British destroyer was waiting.

Efforts of the Jewish Agency for Palestine to obtain news of youths who were being trained for Palestine farming in Holland and Belgium have thus far been unavailing, it was learned today.

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