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Mass Deportation of Jews from Belgium Started

September 17, 1942
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Mass-deportation of Jews from Belgium along the same lines as from Franco was reported by Belgian circles here today on the basis of information received by the Belgian Government-in-Exile.

At the same time it was announced here today by the polish Government-in-Exile that it has launched diplomatic action in an attempt to induce the Vichy government to reverse its decision to deliver Polish and other alien Jews to the Nazis. Similar action was also taken by the Polish Government to persuade the Vichy authorities to cancel the order prohibiting the issuance of exit permits to Polish Jews who possess immigration visas to other countries and are anxious to leave France.

The reports reaching Belgian official circles state that Jewish homes are being raided in Antwerp during the night and the residents are being taken from their beds for deportation. In many cases families are being separated and women taken from their husbands. Special assembly centers have been established by the Nazi occupational authorities in the vicinity of Antwerp where the Jews are being herded together before being transported to unknown destinations. One of the transports, it is known, has been sent to hard labor in the forests of Northern France.

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