Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Censorship Blocks Efforts to Confirm Reported Seizure of Refugees in France

August 25, 1940
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Efforts to obtain direct confirmation from Vichy of reports that Nazi officials had been permitted to enter the unoccupied French zone to round-up anti-Nazi German refugees proved unavailing today, apparently blocked by the severe censorship on all cables to and from unoccupied France.

The reports, emanating from the Franco-Swiss border, said that Nazi officials armed with long lists of names were making the rounds of civilian internment camps in the unoccupied zone. Several hundred German nationals were said to have been taken from the Gurs camp in the Pyrenees and sent to Reich prisons.

It was recalled here in connection with these reports that shortly after the Armistice the French Government officially dissolved all refugees camps. Later information received here disclosed that most of the refugees were so poor that they elected to remain in the camp buildings even though food was no longer provided.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement