Between the Lines

The problem of settling Jewish refugees from Germany is still occupying the minds of Jewish leaders in Europe. James McDonald, the High Commissioner for Refugees, is continuing to hold numerous conferences with Jewish and non-Jewish leaders on this problem.

Surprise is being expressed by many as to why Mr. McDonald, in his search for new territories for the refugees, has not yet visited Soviet Russia to investigate the possibilities of placing a number of them in Biro-Bidjan, where it is felt many Jews from Germany, especially those who are willing to work on the land, could very easily adapt themselves.

Soviet Russia today is recognized by the United States government and is a member of the League of Nations. Mr. McDonald does not have to go all the way to Moscow to approach the Soviet government for admitting Jewish refugees. He can sound out the Soviet representatives in Geneva.

J.D.C. INVESTIGATION

The Joint Distribution Committee, one of the principal institutions supporting Mr. McDonald’s work financially, has just received a report from no less an authority than Dr. Joseph Rosen that Jewish colonization in Biro-Bidjan is worth the attention of foreign Jewish relief organizations. Dr. Rosen, who has made a special trip to Biro-Bidjan, together with a number of other members of the Agro-Joint staff, finds the territory there very fit for Jewish immigration and settlement. He is definitely for encouraging the immigration of Polish Jews into Biro-Bidjan.

In the light of Dr. Rosen’s report, it is only natural that Mr. McDonald, while looking for territory on which to settle Jewish refugees, should also look into the possibilities of Biro-Bidjan. A thorough study of Dr. Rosen’s report would acquaint him with the subject theoretically. A direct approach to the Soviet representatives in Geneva would help him practically.

PROBLEM MAY GROW

The problem of Jewish refugees is today a problem concerning several thousand Jews from Germany and the Saar only. But no one can tell the proportions which this problem may reach in the near future. It may affect tens of thousands of Jews now in Poland, Austria and other countries. Mr. McDonald, as the High Commissioner for such refugees, ought to be prepared to tackle this problem on a large scale. This he can do only by investigating the possibilities in Biro-Bidjan, whither many thousands of Jews from Eastern Europe would be willing to go.

When the League of Nations recently rejected the natural demand that it should finance the settling of refugees from the Saar, it did so simply because the demand did not have the backing of many countries. The situation would be different if, in addition to France, a country like Soviet Russia were also interested in supporting the demand that the League share financially in the settlement of refugees. This would strengthen the office of Mr. McDonald. It would emphasize the importance of his work. And it would add more prestige to his efforts.