Anticipating that the displaced Jews will have to remain in Germany for many months, the Central Jewish Committee here today submitted a “DP Economy Plan” to Gen. Joseph T, McNarney, American commander in Europe, emphasizing that the homeless Jews do not choose to work for the German economy, but wish to work for the benefit of the American Army or for themselves. It is understood that Gen. McNarney favors the plan.
The purposes of the scheme are threefold: 1. To train the DP’s in new professions. 2. To keep them occupied and to aid in their rehabilitation. 3. To allow the displaced Jews to earn money for the future. It also asks that all payment be made in American or British currency, or in the form of tools and supplies.
The program calls for more Jews entering agriculture, and visualizes at least ten percent of them attending farm schools. The plan points out that not only would these people receive training, but they would help provide some of the food needed in the camps. Another of its features is the proposal for extensive vocational training by placing DP’s into German factories as apprentices, and assisting up workshops in the camps. It suggests that the Army contract with the Jews for laundry, tailoring, shoe repairing and other services.
A delegation of the Central Jewish Committee left here today for Frankfurt to attend a ceremony recognizing it as the official spokesman for more than 100,000 displaced Jews in the American zone.
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