The Italian authorities have ordered shutdown of the Jewish Refugee Committee headquarters in Milan and branches throughout the country it was learned today. No reason for the action was given, although it was believed connected with the recent entry of more than 1,000 German Jewish refugees on six-month tourist permits.
The Government, it was understood, is anxious to discourage entry of refugees with insufficient funds at their disposal. The authorities also contend that there is no need for a refugee committee since all foreign Jews legally were supposed to have left the country before March 12 last.
Efforts are being made to convince the Government of the necessity to permit the committee to function. The matter may possibly be decided by Premier Benito Mussolini himself. Meanwhile; an estimated 1,500 refugees have been deprived of the committee’s aid.
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