Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

New Nazi Action Delays Emigration of Jews from Reich

March 19, 1941
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Nazis, who visualize a Europe without Jews, have been responsible for American delay in issuing visas to Jews desiring to leave for the United States, it was reported today from Berlin.

All prospective immigrants are required to produce police certificates showing that they have no criminal records. In an attempt to speed their departure, the German authorities gave orders to the police that all emigrating Jews be given a clean bill immediately upon their application for police certificates. No longer able to rely upon the records issued by the German police, the American consulates in the Reich began taking time to investigate each applicant, thus deferring the issuance of the visa until the private investigation of the consulate is completed.

Two sealed trains are now leaving Berlin every week for Lisbon, crowded with German Jews who received their visas to overseas lands. The emigrants must take along food for three days and do not get a hot meal until they reach the Portuguese frontier. The trains are escorted by Gestapo agents from Germany to the Portuguese border.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement