17 FEBRUARY 1939, Page 3

Tackling the Refugee Problem By proposing to set up an

international body to deal with refugees from Germany, the Inter-Governmental Com- mittee of the Evian Conference has made another step towards tackling the problem on the only basis on which solution is possible—international action by Governments. The main item in the scheme which M. Rublee, who now resigns his chairmanship of the Committee, has brought back from Germany is the suggestion that potential refugees in that country should be divided into two categories—those who are young and able enough to settle elsewhere, and who are thought to number about x65,ono ; and their dependants, of whom there are 85,000 children and 300,00o people over 45 years of age. The proposal is that these should be sent for over a period of years as and when the settlers are capable of maintaining them. In the meantime they are promised reasonable treatment whilst they remain in Germany, and some portion of Jewish property in Germany is to be allocated to a new trust fund to assist potential refugees. The scheme is not generous, but it has in it the elements of humanity, since it allows for orderly emigration.