J.D.C. Intensifies Aid for War Victims; Plans Cooperation with Other Groups

The Joint Distribution Committee has provided emergency funds for Jewish relief organizations in Poland and elsewhere, has obtained the “sympathetic understanding” of the State Department for its problems and has initiated discussions for cooperation with other relief groups, it was announced today after a meeting of the J.D.C.’s officers last night.

The J.D.C. statement follows:

“Well in advance of the outbreak of hostilities, the Joint Distribution Committee took steps to organize its affairs abroad in such a way as to be able to render maximum service wherever the demands might arise. A staff of American citizens, under the directorship of Morris C. Troper, is therefore available for such activities and in such zones as the situation may require. Plans are well under way to establish Joint Distribution Committee offices in those neutral countries from which the most effective relief work will be possible.

“Close contact has been maintained with the Council for German Jewry in London, with the Jewish Colonization Association, with the Hicem (HIAS-ICA Emigration Association), and with the representatives of the organizations through which the Joint Distribution Committee has heretofore operated in the refugee countries — Holland, Switzerland, Belgium; in Hungary and in Italy; and with the relief and philanthropic committees in Central Europe.

“In Poland, a Central Emergency Committee headed by Professor (Moses) Schorr has effected communication with us in New York; and practically all the committees overseas have cabled our New York headquarters directly to inform us of their urgent requirements. Most of these committees have already been provided with emergency funds by us.

“With the situation changing so rapidly, it is impossible to announce any long range program at this time, but our representatives abroad are in constant touch with the authorities in their own countries as well as with representatives of the United States Government who have been of great assistance and who have, in several instances, advised us concerning the conditions in various countries. This friendly and cooperative attitude of the United States representatives overseas is greatly appreciated. The Joint Distribution Committee has consulted the Department of State with respect to its activities abroad so that its entire program may be consistent with the policy of our own Government. The State Department has manifested a most sympathetic understanding of its problems.

“The Joint Distribution Committee, which functioned throughout the last war, recognizes all too well the vastness of the new problems created by the present catastrophe. As in the previous war, it will undoubtedly be necessary and desirable for all relief agencies to cooperate to the fullest possible extent, and the Joint Distribution Committee, as before, is prepared to offer the fullest possible cooperation with all other relief groups regardless of race or creed. With respect to the entire problem, the Joint Distribution Committee is initiating discussions on these matters with many organizations including the American Red Cross and the American Friends Service Committee.

“Conscious of the overwhelming tragedy which is bringing ruin and death to millions of our fellow-Jews, the Joint Distribution Committee is exerting every possible effort to discover whatever means may be useful to bring relief and assistance to them. More than ever before, the Joint Distribution Committee, which is pursuing its historic mission of alleviating suffering, needs the fullest support of all men whose hearts are moved by today’s tragic events. The burden which has heretofore rested on the Joint Distribution Committee has been great. In this enormous crisis which challenges us all, the Joint Distribution Committee must look to all groups for support and for active cooperation.

“The Joint Distribution Committee issues this brief preliminary statement and will continue to keep the Jewish communities periodically informed of all the efforts it is undertaking.”