Loan by Christian Groups Enabled London Refugee Body to Carry on

Christian organizations gave a loan to the Central Council for Jewish Refugees to enable it to continue its activities and used their influence with the Government to obtain the recently-announced grants for refugee maintenance, it was revealed today.

At a meeting of the Jewish council, which yesterday launched a L400,000 campaign to cover the year’s budget for refugee maintenance in England and Palestine Anthony de Rothschild paid tribute to Christian refugee organizations whose loans, together with funds contributed by a small group of supporters, made it possible for the council to go on with its work.

In addition, Rothschild revealed, Christian groups were energetic in seeking Government support for refugee maintenance. The Rev. Carter told the Government he spoke in the name of the Christian churches of England and Scotland in asking Government aid.

Rothschild also paid tribute to the Government for offering to match private contributions up to L27,000 monthly, plus a L100,000 grant for previous expenditures Out of the latter grant the loan from the Christian Council for Refugees will be repaid. A resolution of gratitude to the Government was adopted unanimously by the meeting of the Jewish council, held at Woburn House.

However, Rothschild stated that requirements for refugee aid would exceed the sum of which the Government would provide half. He said that in view of unemployment conditions, absorption of refugees into industry was proceeding relatively slowly, but expressed the opinion that in time many would be drawn into employment by service to the State and there would also be substantial enlistment of refugees in the Pioneer Corps.

He also referred to plans for reorganizing refugee work for efficiency and economy and said the coordinated committee to be formed under Sir Herbert Emerson’s leadership to administer the Government grants would be helpful in this regard. It was learned that this committee will include Christian members of Parliament, as well as social service experts and representatives of the Jewish council.

Co-chairmen of the Jewish council’s fund-raising drive are Lionel Cohen and Israel Sieff. The Keren Hayesod (Palestine Foundation Fund), which is covering all costs of the campaign, will receive L75,000 for relief of refugees in Palestine.