The actual number of German refugees in Belgium is less than 2,000 and not 20,000 as reported, according to an announcement made today by the government. Never has the number exceeded 2,800.
“In accordance with its traditional policy Belgium received the German refugees with open arms,” said the announcement. “The government, however, made it clear to refugees that in view of the economic crisis, they must consider Belgium only as a transit country from which they must proceed to other places for permanent settlement.
“Jewish relief committees are assisting large numbers of refugees to proceed to South America and Argentina. Only a few exceptions are permitted to settle in Belgium.
“Contrary to reports, the number of refugees never exceeded 2,800 and is now actually less than 2,000.”
The Jewish Refugees Commission which started its work December 2, was charged with the task of investigating the position of the refugees and their way of life, adopt measures for their relief and establish the right of a few to settle here permanently.
Members include Director Costerman of the Chancellary of the Foreign Office, president; M. Solvais, director of the Industry and Labor Ministry; Max Gottschalk, president of the Jewish Relief Committee for Refugees, and M. Lickendate, director of the Surete Publique.
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.
