The Grey Book Part 28

On August 13, 1942, the border police were instructed to send back civilian refugees from France who had entered into Switzerland illegally, with the exception of political refugees. "Refugees for racial reasons only, for instance Jews," were not considered political refugees. [469]

The Federation of the Protestant Churches as well as other organizations turned to the Federal authorities. [470] Their protests were not ineffectual. On August 23, Federal Councillor von Steiger ordered that in special cases rejection should be waved.

On August 24, a meeting was convened with the "Swiss Central Office for Refugee Aid", where all the Inst.i.tutions for refugee aid were represented.

The "Central Office" informed the press of the result of this partly tumultuous meeting on the same day: "Foreign refugees, who had entered Switzerland before 13th August, 1942, and register with the police, will be sent back only if, after careful investigation, they must for important reasons be considered undesirable." [471] <213>

On August 30, 1942, at the meeting of the "Young Church" which has been mentioned before [472], Rev. W. Luthi said:

"Sin separates us from G.o.d. What has happened in the case of the refugee problem comes under the same heading.

Even though we understand that events may be motivated by political considerations, our conscience is burdened by such events in three ways.

First, because the rejection of the poorest of the refugees was not an act of humanity.

Second, because any claim to humanitarianism becomes hypocritical.

And third, because it was an act of ingrat.i.tude towards G.o.d, who has so graciously protected our own country. Now we may well fear that, after what has happened, G.o.d will no longer be for us, but against us."

The morning session ended with words of greetings by the Rev. Hans Roduner, who thanked the authorities for their consent "to revoke the painful measures in force against the refugees". He called upon the Young Church to make great sacrifices for the refugees and ensure the support of fifty of them.

The reply of Federal Councillor von Steiger, who spoke in the afternoon, was typical of the Government point of view:

"Of course the Federal Councillor would like to help all the refugees. However, when thousands of victims of a shipwreck cry out for help, the one in command of a small and fully occupied lifeboat, that is limited in capacity and provisions, must seem heartless if he cannot take them all into his boat.

Nevertheless, it is humane to give warning against false hopes, and at least try to save those already aboard. As regards the measures adopted concerning the refugee problem, Federal Councillor von Steiger is prepared to accept full responsibility." [473]

Since September 26, 1942, the following categories of refugees were admitted: a. Obviously ill persons and pregnant women.

b. Refugees over 65 years old; married couples if at least one of them was over 65 years. <214> c. Children under the age of 16 travelling alone.

d. Parents with children under 16 years.

e. Refugees who claimed and could prove that they had close relatives in Switzerland or, otherwise, close relations with Switzerland (Residence for a long time).

However, French Jews without exception had to be deported "as they were in no danger in their own country". In doubtful cases (when it was not clear whether a refugee came under one of the categories mentioned, or when deportation appeared to be exceptionally severe) the Police Department had to be contacted by telephone. It was ascertained that 3,800 persons had entered Switzerland illegally during September. [474]

On October 28, 1942, in his opening address to the Synod of Zurich, Dr. Wollf said:

"... The dominant spirit, in no way identical with the sentiments of the people, has become despondent and even pitiable. Its exponents, who can be found not only in the Federal Council but also in the Parliament, pay homage to the opinion that expediency, craftiness and a so-called realistic policy are greater importance to our salvation than the spirit of the Gospel and of freedom and of truth.

The misery of the dominant spirit has become evident in recent months in the shameless treatment of the refugees.

We must not pa.s.s over in silence the disgrace and shame we have brought upon ourselves when, because of cold political calculations, we returned to misery and threat of death, those refugees who believed they had found within our borders a refuge from danger...

It is not the beauties of our country nor our safe existence, which make Switzerland worthy of our defence and devotion, but the fact that it is the centre of freedom and justice.

The Declaration of the Federal Council and the three coalition parties, contained no sign of their having grasped the challenge of the hour. [475]

In contrast to this, it may be said that the Reformed Church, and, in particular, the Executive Committee of the Swiss Federation of Evangelical Churches, has in no uncertain manner fought for recognition of the demands of our Christian conscience.

These have found their most impressive formulation by the President of our Federation of Churches: <215> 'G.o.d, through His commandments in the Old and New Testament, has placed us unequivocally on the side of the weak, the oppressed and the dest.i.tute, no matter what their race or nationality. Confession of faith in Jesus Christ is, for the Christian, almost always also related to recognition of our responsibility to our suffering brothers. The least of His brethren to-day are the oppressed refugees in their physical and mental distress. Christ will either find us on their side or on the side of His persecutors.'

The mitigations, now granted by the authorities, may be accepted as revoking their heartless orders. But this is not a lasting or definite solution.

The fight for an honourable and humane conduct must continue. Protests alone will not suffice.

Indignation is shallow if it is unaccompanied by the will to act. The members of the Church, as well as its critics, justly demand that it put up a determined stand on behalf of the outcasts.

Generous contributions to the Refugee fund, and willingness to accept refugees in our homes, must now furnish proof that our nation wishes its ancient Christian traditions to be upheld. Each one of us should do his part to atone for our guilt in this matter.

Injustice, force and inhumanity triumph around our borders. These terrible events can no longer allow us only to consider expediency. The only truly realistic policy is the one which accepts G.o.d as the highest Reality, and considers Him more important than all calculations of worldly wisdom, which only lead us astray." [476]

In the months October and November, 1942, a general collection for the Aid to Refugees was held. Because of political considerations on the part of the authorities concerned, the planned 5-minute broadcasts could not take place. Nevertheless, the General Management of the broadcasting services agreed to broadcast short appeals under the slogan "Contribute towards an Asylum for the Homeless". [477] The "Swiss Central Office for Aid to Refugees"

stated:

"If, however, the result of the fundraising is disappointing, all is lost. Not only will the organizations have no more money, but our opponents who even now are urging the complete closing of our borders, will then say to the Federal Government: 'Close the doors, let n.o.body in. The Swiss people do not want them...'" [478]

Many Church leaders publicly recommended this collection. Prof. Karl Bart did so in the following words: <216> "There are reasons for and against aid to refugees as currently suggested to us Swiss. The reasons for are: The Christian reason. 'In as much as ye have done it unto one of these least, ye have done it unto me.' The refugees are our concern: not because they are valuable or agreeable human beings, but because in all the world they are to-day the lowest and the most miserable people, and as such they, with their inseparable companion the Saviour, knock on our door. They are our concern, not in spite of their being Jews but just because they are Jews, and as such are the Saviour's brethren in the flesh. (I suggest that this first reason is the strongest and may well be the one decisive and effective reason in this matter).

The Swiss reason. The refugees (whether they are aware of it or not) do us a great honour, in looking upon our country and seeking it out as the last refuge of justice and mercy. Many of the great and dreadful things which occurred in our time will be forgotten. After centuries, however, it will still be asked, whether Switzerland proved true to its name as the free Switzerland in these days, or renounced it. The question whether the Lest that we Swiss are capable of and have, can be preserved throughout the present crisis, will be decided only by opening our hearts and hands to these refugees, or by turning our backs upon them.

The Humane reason. We see in these refugees the fate we have miraculously been spared. It is quite true that we also are not too well off to-day. It is, however, equally true that we are well enough off to be in a condition exactly opposite to these unfortunate fellow-creatures: well-fed and even rich. Can we bear this, without wanting to help them to the best of our ability?

Would it not be disgraceful, even to let our lips suggest any reasons at all against offering such aid?" [479]

In December, 1942, 1,595 refugees were admitted and 330 sent back. At the end of December, the number of immigrants and refugees amounted to 16,200. Of the refugees, 8,467 had entered Switzerland illegally between August 1, 1942, and Dec. 31, 1942.

This development led the Department of Police to propose to the Federal Council that new decrees, more stringent than the preceding ones, be issued for the whole of the Swiss border. Apparently the order of Sept. 26, 1942, that being a Jew was no reason for admittance, mostly was not observed. [480] <217> The decree of Dec. 29, 1942, ordered that foreigners arrested whilst crossing the border or in the region of the border (up till 10 kilometres) must be turned back immediately. Exemption would be granted to the categories a, b and c mentioned in the decree of Sept. 26, 1942. [481]

"Further, parents with children not over six years old; or if at least one of their children is not older than six; refugees who can prove that they have a spouse, parents or children in Switzerland; or when at least one of a married couple has been born in Switzerland. [482]

The "Report of the Swiss Protestant Relief Society" comments:

"We are grateful that a Delegation of the Federation of Churches also remonstrated with the Federal Government in the matter. No substantial amendments to the decree were obtained, but in practice the att.i.tude of the authorities was more obliging than the wording of the decree leads one to a.s.sume.

The possibilities of providing asylum, and the readiness of the authorities to grant it, are in no small measure dependent on the willingness of the Swiss people to make sacrifices for the refugees.

We therefore emphatically insisted that the congregations of the Evangelical Church should take upon themselves the financial responsibility for the upkeep of as many refugees as possible, and so to fulfil towards individual refugees Christ's commandment of love. [483]

In the first seven months of 1943, 1,821 refugees were sent back and 4,733 admitted. "Its is impossible to determine, how many Jews were among those admitted; apparently they made up the vast majority." [484]

On May 9, 1943, the Synod of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the City of Basel adopted the following Resolution:

"The Synod, deeply concerned by the information received regarding instruction given by the authorities to the border guards and the dreadful horrors still being undergone by refugees wanting to cross our borders, charges the Church council to urge the Executive Committee of the Federation of Churches to remonstrate afresh with the responsible authorities on behalf of the refugees according to the Church's responsibility to be a Protector, and desires that the congregation, through the 'Church Messenger', be kept suitably informed of the Synod's negotiations concerning the refugee and asylum problem. [485]

<218> In October, 1943, the Church Council of Zurich addressed the following message "To the Reformed People of Zurich":

"... We are able only through rumours to gain a vague impression of the dreadful reality. And because it is beyond the powers of our imagination, we are in danger of closing our hearts and trying to suppress any awareness of the fact that daily, hourly, indeed every single moment, thousands suffer, bleed, starve, despair, die.

We also let ourselves be misled by a falsely understood neutrality, which freezes our feelings towards the distress of foreigners, or causes in us a moral apathy towards injustice and inhumanity, sometimes even making us adopt the catchwords and evil slogans of anti-Semitism and racial hatred, and persuading us to accept ideals which are hostile to the Gospel of love to G.o.d and to ones neighbour...

All humane people are haunted by descriptions of the sufferings to which members of the Jewish people have been exposed during these past four years of war, this following centuries of being slandered, ridiculed, beaten and persecuted throughout the Christian era!

Expelled from home and work, forcibly separated, children tom from the arms of their mothers, mothers from the arms of their children, anew they are uprooted just when they had supposed they had found a protecting refuge.

They have been tossed towards an uncertain destiny, which all too often only spelled destruction, misery, starvation, beatings, despair and death.

Indeed, no other nation has been so overwhelmed by storms of persecution and deluged by sufferings, as has been the people of Israel.

Who as a Christian, or as a Swiss, can fail to be oppressed by the distress of the Jewish people, or to be confronted by questions unsolvable by the words guilt and atonement, because we have certainly sufficient cause to ask questions about our own guilt in this matter and to apply to ourselves Christ's word: 'Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.'

Such an admission can result only in one thing: the emergence of a deep sympathy and a desire to help wherever and however we can, to grant refuge to the homeless, to shelter the exposed, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the imprisoned, to support the weak, to comfort the mourning; in accordance with the example of the good Samaritan and the teaching and promise of our Master: 'In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me'..." [486]

In November, 1943, the "Social Study Committee of the Swiss Union of Reformed Pastors" published the following Statement: <219> "... With shame and sorrow we see this purposeful turning away from Christ in a monstrous effort to exterminate entire races and peoples.

The Christian conscience cries out against this. We therefore appeal to all those in responsible positions in the world, to save what still may be saved.

We demand that the Swiss Government which maintains diplomatic relations with all governments in the world, devise with them and with the International Red Cross, a plan of rescue.

In the name of Jesus we demand that our authorities put a stop to the driving back of refugees to their death, until final measures are taken, and to grant them a safe, Christian asylum. Our thanks go to the people of Switzerland for their cordial hospitality, even though it is hampered by authority!..." [487]

In my opinion this is the sharpest protest against the official refugee policy of the Swiss government that was ever published during the second world war.

At the end of 1943, it was ordered not to send Jewish refugees back if they objected. Thus Jews who fled Italy after its occupation by the Germans, were to be admitted; however, in the case of a real 'run' one might have to stop admitting them for some time. [488]

It is, in my opinion, undeniable that the protests of the Churches and Church"

leaders contributed to alleviating the measures against the refugees and their ultimate cancellation in practice. In the meantime, unspeakable sufferings had been inflicted on refugees who had been sent back and fell into the hands of their mortal enemies.

d. Aid to Refugees

We already mentioned some of the activities of the "Swiss Protestant Relief Society for the Confessing Church in Germany", [489] for instance the Annual Conference held on November 17, 1941, and its partic.i.p.ation in the general collection for Aid to Refugees, held during October-November, 1942. In order to show the spirit in which this refugee work was done, we record the following letter which was sent by the Executive Council of the Society to the Swiss-Israelite Union of Congregations, on June 22, 1943: <220>

"You have ordered a call to an a.s.sembly of Mourning, for next Sunday, 27th June, 1943. You will then recall the horrible decrees to which Jews in Europe are subjected, and the unspeakable hardship and oppression under which people nowadays suffer and die.

Together with you we are deeply shocked at the ma.s.s murder that has engulfed European Jewry. Only with dread and horror can one read of the number deported from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Rumania and Greece.

We fight against allowing suffering to become a familiar routine, and against blunting of concern on the part of our people of Switzerland at such distress.

To us these dry figures represent human beings, who have lived, suffered and died. Their ma.s.s graves and their ashes will, till the coming Day of the Lord, be a shocking accusation against a Europe which forgot G.o.d.

As Christians we cannot let the a.s.sembly of Mourning of the Swiss-Israelite Union of Congregations pa.s.s without a cordial word of sympathy and partic.i.p.ation. Deeply moved, we shall join our thoughts with yours in intercession.

We know that each murder and every act of violence is rooted in the G.o.dless thinking of G.o.dless minds. The unkind word and the unappreciative gesture are signs of poisoning of the minds.

The fact that this poisoning could a.s.sume such terrible proportions in 'Christian' Europe, where especially the Jewish people are victimised, shames us and gives us cause for severe self-accusation. So little have we Christians understood Jesus Christ and so far apart from him have we lived, that G.o.dless thinking was able to create this insane racial hatred and merciless cruelty in our midst, raging as a demon against the Jews.

On your day of mourning we join hands with you in sympathy and sorrow. At the same time we confess our guilt before G.o.d and mankind. We regret every word of contempt, we Christians ever uttered against Jews.

We regret that we have shamed Jesus Christ by our self-righteousness and our hardness of heart. We regret that we Christians were not more loyal to our Master and thus failed courageously to struggle, in time, against every expression of anti-Semitism.

On this day of your mourning we implore the Almighty for his mercy, for the sake of Jesus Christ, with the publican's prayer of penitence: 'G.o.d be merciful to us sinners'.