Kindness to Jews

Bearing a name less romantic but doing a work just as effective as that of the Scarlet Pimpernel, the British Committee for the Care of Children from Germany last week continued its effort to get 75,000 Jewish children under 17 out of Nazi clutches. The committee found temporary shelter for 500 waifs in a holiday camp, will teach them English and try to find them (and others yet to come) permanent homes.

Hopeful that the refugees would put up a good front in their new world, the chief London refugee relief centre at Woburn House handed the young exiles instructions on proper refugee deportment.

"You are guests of Great Britain," the card began. "Politeness and good behaviour will ensure a kind reception and sympathy for you everywhere. Do not speak loudly in the streets, particularly at night. Be considerate about the comfort of other people, and avoid damaging the property and furniture of others." The card concluded with a Nelsonian touch: "Never forget that England's opinion of German refugees depends upon your behaviour."

If this was not a very hearty welcome, it was warmer than the "kindness" bestowed on the parents of the same children in Germany.

That kindness consisted of permission, granted the day payment was due, for Jews to pay in kind as well as cash the fine levied on them because of the murder of a German diplomat in Paris. Stocks, bonds, mining royalties, real estate were accepted at their value as of November 30 because Nazis feared the effects if Jews dumped their holdings on the market. Some Jews were temporarily released from concentration camps so they could pay up, but it was rumored the payment of the first quarter of the $400,000,000 fine was inadequate and the assessment on the Jews would be increased from 20% to 25% of their assets.

Authentic reports seeping through the Nazi censorship gave many angles of what is happening to some Jews in concentration camps. At one camp they are compelled to sign the following statement: "As a Jew, I regard myself as a guilty accomplice of the Jew Grynszpan, who murdered Third Secretary vom Rath." Each morning they were put through the following catechism, varied according to their profession or trade: "What were you?" Answer: "I was a doctor." Reply of catechist: "No, you were a quack and thief." The same question and answer were repeated until the prisoner answers: "I was a quack and thief." A merchant was compelled to reply: "I was a swindler." and a hand worker to reply: "I was a dumb Jew without brains enough to cheat Germans."

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