GERMAN REFUGEES IN FRANCE
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I feel sure your readers will be interested in the efforts of the Entr'aide Europeenne to prevent the German refugees in France from sinking still further into the destitu- tion and hopelessness that threatens them this second winter of their exile.
The Entr'aide Europeenne (55 rue de Ponthieu), while not a Quaker organization, came into existence through the Paris Centre of the Friends Service Council. It groups together a large number of French organizations who are interested in work for peace through international under, standing, and last winter raised considerable sums in France for the help of German comrades in distress. Through it the Society of Friends in England were enabled to send their help. This winter the work of emergency relief has been reorganized on a constructive basis, and its aim is to help those who remain in France to find their feet and become self-supporting citizens.
The highly-skilled social workers who are dealing with them report that many workers are very highly trained, and have had a good income in Germany. They struggle hard to keep their standard of cleanliness and culture, in the horrible houses they have to live in, stamped with dirt, immorality and neglect, but they are . threatened at this moment with keeping not even this shelter, for many who have just been able to maintain themselves have been unable to pay their rent. For instance, a skilful leather- worker, with four children, has been able to maintain them, but owing to the slack season has now no money for food, rent, or to buy leather. Temporary help would save the family, and many hundreds of others in the same situation, from starvation and despair.
When it is realized that at the present rate of exchange bread is approximately Is. a quartern loaf, flour 444. a pound, potatoes over ld. a pound, sugar 6d., cheese ls., it is easy to understand how desperate the situation is, and why semi-starvation and under-nourishment are so serious and widespread.
Help for this work is urgent, and may be sent direct, or to the Germany Emergency Committee, Friends House, Euston Road, N.W. 1.—Yours faithfully,
E. M. PEE, Correspondent in England of the Entr'aidc Europeenne.
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