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They were Prepared 13
Displaced Persons
1948 - 1950
The story of the DPs from 1948 on would be largely a matter of repetition. Under I.R.O. (International Refugee Organisation) what could be done with so vast a problem was done; but with shortage of housing generally, and vast increases in population in Germany; with the uncertainty and insecurity of the world in general; the hesitation of other countries to open their frontiers to any but the completely fit and potentially self-supporting, the basic problems remained. There was still insufficient food, clothing, or employment for the DPs— and above all there was little hope in their hearts. What was completely amazing was the fortitude and self-respect that the majority brought into play, in all circumstances.
When an exhibition of international hand- crafts was organised or an international dancing display arranged, they entered wholeheartedly into the project, giving of their best. If they were allowed to settle for any appreciable time in a camp they grew flowers, vegetables and even tobacco and made the camp less dreary in any way they could. A family's one room was often in the truest sense a home, even though three or four people were living, eating, sleeping and working in a space barely adequate for one. And always the national groups set aside some room or even built and equipped a church or chapel for worship. The vast majority were—are—law-abiding, friendly people who could and should be honoured world-citizens. They are, in fact, human beings, like ourselves, but for most of them the world has no welcome.
Welfare work with the DPs, as carried on for the past five years, has now ceased. By June 30th, 1950, all institutional cases and those unable to emigrate for one reason or another were integrated into the German economy and are now the responsibility of the German Government. Others, more fortunate, still hope to emigrate. For them I.R.O. has established " processing " or "staging " centres where they are gathered together for medical examination, registration and checking. Of the ten voluntary societies (with between seventy and eighty teams) which worked originally as part of the British Red Cross Commission, and later the four voluntary societies which were part of the CBSRA Commission (with sixteen teams and a number of individual workers) the G.I.S. is now the sole remaining society in the field engaged on the welfare of DPs, for the G.I.S. was invited to set up a bureau in each staging centre, as from July ist, to deal with the welfare and related problems which arise while the DP is being " processed " or is in transit for final resettlement.
The welfare and related problems are likely to be many and varied—for instance, if at the medical examination it is discovered that one of the parents has TB, the family must choose whether they will remain together in Germany or the sick parent shall be left behind. Women whose husbands were taken by the Russians while they were brought to Germany for forced labour, must decide whether they will emigrate to freedom, or wait a few more years in Germany in the hope of finding their husbands again. Families may wish to discuss the problem whether parents, over age for emigration them- selves, should volunteer to enter an Old People's Home in Germany, thus allowing the rest of the family to apply for emigration. In such dilemmas and many others, the G.I.S. member will be needed for advice, comfort, and in many cases practical help. She will also provide liaison between the centre and I.R.O. and other authorities, and will give assistance in documentation, housing, temporary care of children, etc., to those in transit for final resettlement.
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