The autonomous governing body created by the League of Nations to handle the problem of refugees held its first meeting today at the University of Lausanne with twelve nations, of the fifteen invited to participate, represented at the session.
The meeting, over which Lord Robert Cecil, noted British statesman, presided, heard James G. McDonald, of New York, the High Commissioner appointed by the League, outline the position of the refugees from Germany and the functions and obligations of the body. In his review of work already done for the refugees, Commissioner McDonald paid tribute to the Jewish relief organizations which, he said, are not differentiating in giving aid between Jewish and non-Jewish refugees.
He explained that the High Commissioner’s duty would not ### of the actual fund-raising work but that this would be left to already existing agencies. The High Commissioner’s office, he declared, would conduct the necessary negotiations with the various governments, would seek to coordinate the activities of the agencies in the field and direct a program for assistance in changing the occupations of the refugees in order that they might be placed productively.
In this connection, Mr. McDonald declared, he would confer with governments and organizations in Europe and America and would actively assist the organizations in raising funds. The governments, through contributions, should stimulate the efforts of private organizations in the refugee work, he declared.
Questions of passport and capital requirements for refugees as a condition for their entering other countries, will also be taken up by the High Commissioner in his negotiations with governments, he said, particularly to enable larger immigration.
He pointed out that Palestine, which is administered by Great Britain under a mandate, might have already absorbed a considerable number of refugees had they been permitted entrance.
Some disagreement has arisen between Mr. McDonald and the British government on the question of Palestine. The League Council, in
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
