AUSTRIANS IN ENGLAND
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
SIR,—The Austrians in this country have been very anxious to help their compatriots coming over as refugees. They started the Austrian Self-Aid immediately after the annexation to help with advice, finding of openings, &c. Later in the year they set up the " Committee of Austrians in England " to provide a body to represent the Austrians and put forward their ideas, information and plans about the solution of the refugee problem. The various groups of Austrian artists and scientists have been gathered in the " Austrian Circle for Arts and Science," and thereby the chance of preserving and carry- ing on the old Austrian culture and traditions has been secured.
The Austrians are now engaged on a very ambitious plan— namely, to build up an " Austrian Centre," to have a house where the many refugees, who live in dreary quarters or in shelters where they cannot stay during the day, could come, read and write, have classes and retraining, music, and all sorts of artistic circles, &c. A house has been secured and the Austrians will do their utmost to repair and install that house all by themselves. But they have to ask for some generous help in order to complete furnishing, &c. All sorts of crockery, curtains, carpets, lamps, laundry, books, maga- zines, games, office furniture, typewriters, musical instruments, gramophones, wireless, &c., would be needed urgently and would make all the difference. Will any of your readers help? The address is 124 Westbourne Terrace, W. 2.
The Austrians intend to give concerts, arrange all sorts of shows, &c., to give English people some pleasure because they want to do anything to pay back somehow their debt of gratitude towards their country of refuge.—I am, Sir, yours, EVA KOLMER, Secretary. Committee of Austrians in England,
9 Albert Palace Mansions, S.W.
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