Jewish Agency Appeals to “big Three” to Prevent Landing of Exodus Refugees in Germany

The Jewish Agency today appealed to the governments of the United States, France and the Soviet Union to intervene and prevent the British from landing the Exodus refugees in Germany, it was disclosed by the London office of the Agency.

Diplomatic circles here said that the U.S., France and the U.S.S.R. would be entirely within their rights in discussing the appeal and any problems which it raises within the Allied Control Council for Germany. It was pointed out that Britain need not be bound by the Council’s view of its action, even if the majority expressed disapproval.

A Foreign Office spokesman this morning denied “categorically” reports that the Jews would be taken to the Belsen camp. Later, a second spokesman declared that the Jews would be taken to two camps in the British zone, but he did not give their location or names. The larger of the two centers was built by the British Army in 1945, while the second was constructed by the Germans in 1942, he stated.

For a period all the Exodus refugees will be confined to camps guarded by British troops, not German police, until they are screened for possible extremists, the official said. After the screening is completed the Jews will be free to go where they wish. They will be granted normal DP rations and will be given an opportunity to volunteer for jobs in Britain open to refugees, he added.

Representatives of the Chief Rabbinate, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Anglo-Jewish Association this afternoon called at the Foreign Office to urge the government to reconsider its decision concerning the deportation of the Exodus immigrants to Germany. Under-Secretary Christopher Mayhew refused to alter the decision, although he expressed sympathy with some of the points made by the delegation. A second delegation representing the World Jewish Congress also called at the Foreign Office on the same matter. It consisted of Rabbi Maurice Perlzweig and A.L. Easterman.