REFUGEE PROFESSORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 June 1934, Page 3

REFUGEE PROFESSORS

RELIEF FUND EXHAUSTED LONDON, May 4. The Academic Assistance Council, formed to assist those university teachers and investigators “who, on grounds of religion, political opinions, or race, were unable to carry on their work in their own country,” has during its first year, states the annual report, found places for 389 persons, 178 in the British Isles and 211 abroad. The greater number of the places are temporary research posts, financed by maintenance grants, which may not be renewed for a second year in certain cases.

Cambridge, it is stated, has taken the largest number of those placed in the United Kingdom, namely 31, while Oxford has found positions for 17 and Manchester for 16. The total placed in London institutions is 67, of whom 17 were taken by University College. Abroad, the United States has taken 58, France 11, Turkey 33, and Holland 26.

The total number known from reliable sources to have been displaced is given by the Council as 1.202, all of whom held academic positions in universities or institutions of university rank. Not all of these applied directly to the Council for assistance. The total includes both those who have remained in Germany and those who are outside Germany.

The report slates that subscriptions of £13,223 have been received. Maintenance grants have been given directly Io 49 scholars to enable them to continue their research in universities in this country.

Tiio funds are now almost exhausted. and unless further contributions arc received ilie grants must cease, in which case the scholars ami. scientists will have to leave this country.

The position,” says the report

“will then be worse than before, because the possibilities of help, or even of refuge, in other European countries have contracted since they were compelled to leave their fatherland." Viscount Cecil of Chelwood presided yesterday at the meeting at Burlington House of ihc? Council of the High Commissioner for Regugees, appointed by the League of Nations to deal with Jewish ami other emigrants from Germany. Mr. James G. McDonald, the High Commissioner, said it was estimated that, the academic persons displaced were 12.000, and in this branch of their work- the Council had spent during its first year nearly £12,000. If was stated that the number of refugees had increased from 59,300 ■ u December. 19,'M. to 63.200 last. April, of whom 2,000 had been distributed in England.