(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
One and a half million refugees of Russian and Armenian nationalities are now scattered throughout the various countries of Europe where they find themselves in a most deplorable condition, according to Albert Thomas, head of the International Labor Office of the League of Nations.
Mr. Thomas described the situation of the refugees in a press interview, stating that although the so-called Nansen passports granted to the refugees by the League of Nations will improve their legal status, this does not solve the problem. It is important to secure employment for them. Up to now, the International Labor Office has succeeded in finding employment for 35,000 refugees, mainly in France. Indications are now pending with the French government to place a greater number of refugees in France, particularly in agricultural work there. Efforts are also continuing to settle a number of refugees in South America. Certain difficulties are encountered, however, in South America, in view of the fact that there “Russians” and “Bolsheviks” are regarded as synonymous. The Russian refugees experience particular difficulties in travelling to America.
Many refugees have already become unaccustomed to regular work, he stated.
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