ANTI-FASCIST RELIEF COMMITTEE
(Incorporating Relief Committee for Victims of Fascism)
Chairman: Dr. J. KERSHAW
Treasurer: Prof. J.B.S. HALDANE
Secretary: ISABEL BROWN
International Presidents: LORD MARLEY, PAUL LANGEVIN
Vice Presidents: Prof. Julian Huxley Prof. W.B. Brierley Prof. Blackett Maurice Dobb F.L. Lucas Miles Malleson Louis Golding Etienne Watts P.C. Gordon Walker Laurence Houseman [...] Oliver Leah Manning J.L. Gunn Augustus John C.K. Cullen
Supporters: Prof. Levy D.N. Pritt, K.C. Lord Marley Havelock Ellis H.W. Nevinson Jack Tanner C. Timson Dean of Canterbury Dr. J. Malleson J.B. Priestley Arthur Horner K.W. Coster Wm. Paul Harry Pollitt J. Reeves [..]d Hill Alex. Gossip Ivor Montagu Amabel Williams-Ellis John Strachey Neil Hunter Jack Gaster
1, Litchfield Street,
Charing Cross Road,
London, W.C.2
Telephone: TEMple Bar 5616
June, 1939.
Dear Friend,
Everyone will recall with pride the great service rendered to European democracy by the International Brigade in Spain. Six thousand of these men, who came from Fascist countries to which they cannot return, have now been incarcerated in a concentration camp in France. They were evacuated from Spain in a League of Nations Commission when the decision to withdraw all foreign volunteers was made by the Republican Government.
After months in refugee camps, they have been segregated and practically imprisoned in barracks erected at Gurs. All efforts to get the democratic Governments to arrange for permanent settlement elsewhere have, up to the present, been unsuccessful.
In the meantime, they are suffering almost intolerable conditions. They are surrounded by armed guards and visitors are allowed only fifteen minutes' interviews, under supervision. The food is insufficient and poor in quality. The water supply is inadequate, and lack of sanitary materials increases the danger to life and health. They are closely confined in over-crowded barracks with no open-air facilities for exercise and recreation.
Arrangements have now been made for the French Relief organisations to supplement the food ration, and we have been urgently requested to provide each man with summer clothing and sanitary supplies.
We appeal to you to assist. The service these men have given for the cause of humanity can be repaid a little by providing the materials they so urgently need.
Yours sincerely
ISABEL BROWN,
Hon. Secretary.
