Extension of Refugee Aid to Italian Jews Supported in Geneva

The question of Jewish refugees from Italy, who have been added to the flood of refugees from Germany and Austria as a result of the fascist Cabinet’s decree for expulsion of post-war Jewish immigrants, was discussed over the weekend by League of Nations delegates and will be officially raised at the Assembly session opening tomorrow.

A proposal to extend to Italian Jewish refugees the league’s aid to German exiles has been made by the Swiss delegation, since Switzerland is already experiencing an influx of Jews from Italy. The proposal is supported by the French, British and other delegations.

Avoiding any discussion of political problems, the Assembly intends to make the refugee problem one of the chief questions of its agenda. Members are optimistic, believing that a means can be devised to influence governments not to expel any of the refugees, but to follow the example of France, where refugees with Nansen passports will not be deported, even if they are considered a danger to public order.

Sir Neill Malcolm, of Britain, the League’s High Commissioner for Refugees Coming from Germany since February, 1936, whose term expires on Jan. 1, 1939, has addressed a parting letter to League members saying: “The problem of refugees from Germany and Austria is one of the greatest tragedies of modern times.” He thanked all governments for their help to him in performing his duties.

The Nansen International Office for Refugees, created in 1921 to assist denationalized refugees, also notified the assembly that “all arrangements for liquidation of the office have been made, and the office ceases functioning at the end of December, 1938.” Both offices will be merged by decision of the forthcoming Assembly.