.
I have just finished reading Natasha Solomons’ first novel, ‘Mr Rosenblum’s List’ about a German Jewish couple given refuge in Britain in 1937 and Mr Rosenblum’s efforts to become ‘English’.
At the back of this very enjoyable book are excerpts from a pamphlet issued by the wartime government to refugees. Sections of it are as relevant today as it was all those years ago. I make no comment on them but a few excerpts are included below:
“The traditional tolerance and sympathy of Britain and the British Commonwealth towards the Jews is something which every British Jew appreciates profoundly. On his part he does all in his power to express his loyalty to Britain and the British Commonwealth, in word and in deed, by personal service and communal effort.
This loyalty comes first and foremost, and every Refugee should realise how deeply it is felt.
All that we ask from you in return is to carry out to your utmost the following lines of conduct. Regard them, please, as duties to which you are in honour bound.
1 Spend your time immediately in learning the English language and its correct pronunciation.
3 Do not criticise any Government regulations, nor the way things are done over here. Do not speak of “how much better this or that is done in Germany”. It may be true in some matters, but it weighs as nothing against the sympathy and freedom and liberty of England which are now given to you. Never forget that point.
4 Do not join any Political organisation, or take part in any political activities.
5 Do not make yourself conspicuous by speaking loudly, nor by your manner or dress. The Englishman greatly dislikes ostentation, loudness of dress or manner, or unconventionality of dress or manner.
6 Try to observe and follow his manners and customs and habits of this country, in social and business relations.
Use your energies and your special skills to help those even more unhappy than yourself - the lonely Refugee Children, the Aged and the Sick, in your neighbourhood.
Be loyal to England, your host.”
.
I have just finished reading Natasha Solomons’ first novel, ‘Mr Rosenblum’s List’ about a German Jewish couple given refuge in Britain in 1937 and Mr Rosenblum’s efforts to become ‘English’.
At the back of this very enjoyable book are excerpts from a pamphlet issued by the wartime government to refugees. Sections of it are as relevant today as it was all those years ago. I make no comment on them but a few excerpts are included below:
“The traditional tolerance and sympathy of Britain and the British Commonwealth towards the Jews is something which every British Jew appreciates profoundly. On his part he does all in his power to express his loyalty to Britain and the British Commonwealth, in word and in deed, by personal service and communal effort.
This loyalty comes first and foremost, and every Refugee should realise how deeply it is felt.
All that we ask from you in return is to carry out to your utmost the following lines of conduct. Regard them, please, as duties to which you are in honour bound.
1 Spend your time immediately in learning the English language and its correct pronunciation.
3 Do not criticise any Government regulations, nor the way things are done over here. Do not speak of “how much better this or that is done in Germany”. It may be true in some matters, but it weighs as nothing against the sympathy and freedom and liberty of England which are now given to you. Never forget that point.
4 Do not join any Political organisation, or take part in any political activities.
5 Do not make yourself conspicuous by speaking loudly, nor by your manner or dress. The Englishman greatly dislikes ostentation, loudness of dress or manner, or unconventionality of dress or manner.
6 Try to observe and follow his manners and customs and habits of this country, in social and business relations.
Use your energies and your special skills to help those even more unhappy than yourself - the lonely Refugee Children, the Aged and the Sick, in your neighbourhood.
Be loyal to England, your host.”
.
No comments:
Post a Comment