The imminent closing of the Foehrenwald camp–last remaining camp for Jewish DP’s in Germany-was announced here by Charles Jordan, acting director general of the Joint Distribution Committee. A total of 295 men, women and children left the camp during the months of January and February, it was disclosed, leaving just 640 legal residents there at this time.
In order to assist the remaining residents to emigrate or to become integrated into communities in Germany, the West German Government has established a fund of three million marks. This sum has been matched by the JDC from funds received from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Certain difficulties still remain to be cleared up before the final shutdown of the camp, Mr. Jordan declared. The living accommodations being prepared in German cities are not always ready or suitable for such residual cases. Since the Germans wish to clear the camp as soon as possible, it is hoped that there will be no resort to eviction procedures, to which the JDC is unalterably opposed.
“We do not believe that force will be necessary,” Mr. Jordan asserted. “The Government authorities have shown their willingness to meet legitimate demands. With the cooperation and good-will of all parties concerned, Foehrenwald will soon be closed and the DP phase of Jewish history will pass into oblivion.”
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