Belgium

Belgium

Der Brockhaus-Atlas. Die Welt in Bild und Karte, Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus 1937

Der Brockhaus-Atlas. Die Welt in Bild und Karte, Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus 1937

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Der Brockhaus-Atlas. Die Welt in Bild und Karte, Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus 1937
Belgium 1938
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Population ca. 8,300,000
Area (km²) ca. 30,000
Inhabitants per km² 273
Gross domestic product per inhabitant Gross domestic product p. inhab. 257 US$
Jewish population before 1938 Jewish pop. before 1938 70,000 (0.84 %)
Profession
Agriculture and forestry 19 %
Mining and industry 49 %
Trade and transport 18 %
Other professions 14 %

 

Policy on Immigration and Refugees

Although political refugees are attracted to Belgium’s progressive liberalism, while labor migrants are drawn to its industry and businesspeople to the trade metropolis of Antwerp, the country is not considered a true immigration country until the 20th century. Starting in the 1880s and again in the post-World War I period, significant Jewish communities take root in Brussels and Antwerp, thanks primarily to immigration from Eastern Europe.

But in the early 1930s, immigration policy becomes more restrictive. Unemployment, which is growing as a result of the Great Depression, means that fewer of the required entry visas are given out. Access to the labor market is gradually restricted.

In August 1933, the government of the Catholic Charles de Broqueville reacts to increased legal and illegal border crossings by victims of political persecution and Jews from Nazi Germany – in 1933 there are 5,000 – by further limiting the right to residence. Belgium’s liberal tradition is still reflected in the recognition of political persecution. But Belgian law does not recognize “racial” persecution and assigns an ambiguous status to many Jews.

Politics and public opinion are split: While the spirit of helpfulness wakens, so do xenophobia and a long-dormant antisemitism. Especially in Flanders, there is an outcry against “foreigners.” In the 1935 elections, the traditional coalition of Catholics and Liberals loses its majority. Socialists and Liberals in the new tripartite coalition take a pragmatic approach to the refugees, while their partners, the conservative Catholics, radicalize – in part under pressure from the new right-wing Rex party. From 1937 through early 1939, the Catholics control the justice department, which oversees the security service and immigration police.

When the number of refugees increases drastically in the spring of 1938, visa regulations are tightened once again, making it practically impossible for German and Austrian Jews to enter Belgium legally; Belgium reinforces this restrictive course in Évian. But after Justice Minister Joseph Pholien deports Jewish refugees in the autumn of 1938, public protest challenges the national parliament. From now on, Belgium takes in Jews who have crossed the Belgian border.

In January 1939, the rejection of 35 Jewish children attempting to cross over leads to another domestic political scandal; the previous year’s “Kindertransport” quota is now increased to 1,000. Up to the outbreak of the war, Belgium carries out no deportations.

 

The Saint Louis in the port of Antwerp, June 1939 In June 1939, more than 200 passengers disembark from the St. Louis in Antwerp after Belgium officially becomes the first country to accept some of the Jewish refugees on board. Antwerp’s port makes Belgium an important transit station: Refugees are generally tolerated as long as they continue onward to another state. Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36397

The Saint Louis in the port of Antwerp, June 1939

In June 1939, more than 200 passengers disembark from the St. Louis in Antwerp after Belgium officially becomes the first country to accept some of the Jewish refugees on board. Antwerp’s port makes Belgium an important transit station: Refugees are generally tolerated as long as they continue onward to another state.

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36397

A “foreign identity card” from the Belgian community of Tournai, 1930s Immigrants must register at their new place of residence and apply for a foreign identity card and residence permit after six months. The Belgian immigration police, which are part of the security service and collect information about immigrants, may refuse to issue or extend a permit. This information is later used by the occupying German forces. Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 522996

A “foreign identity card” from the Belgian community of Tournai, 1930s

Immigrants must register at their new place of residence and apply for a foreign identity card and residence permit after six months. The Belgian immigration police, which are part of the security service and collect information about immigrants, may refuse to issue or extend a permit. This information is later used by the occupying German forces.

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 522996

Wall inscription from the 1930s in an inner courtyard at Rue Roger van der Weyden 25, Brussels Before the outbreak of war, a German wall inscription in a Brussels courtyard warns refugees to respect Belgian hospitality. Refugees usually arrive penniless in the big cities; after the November pogrom their number rises to 2,000 per month. Financial support comes to them from aid organizations and private individuals; the Belgian state does not contribute until mid-1939. Photo: Christian Carez Brüssel / Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36390

Wall inscription from the 1930s in an inner courtyard at Rue Roger van der Weyden 25, Brussels

Before the outbreak of war, a German wall inscription in a Brussels courtyard warns refugees to respect Belgian hospitality. Refugees usually arrive penniless in the big cities; after the November pogrom their number rises to 2,000 per month. Financial support comes to them from aid organizations and private individuals; the Belgian state does not contribute until mid-1939.

Photo: Christian Carez Brüssel / Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36390

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The Saint Louis in the port of Antwerp, June 1939 In June 1939, more than 200 passengers disembark from the St. Louis in Antwerp after Belgium officially becomes the first country to accept some of the Jewish refugees on board. Antwerp’s port makes Belgium an important transit station: Refugees are generally tolerated as long as they continue onward to another state. Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36397

The Saint Louis in the port of Antwerp, June 1939

In June 1939, more than 200 passengers disembark from the St. Louis in Antwerp after Belgium officially becomes the first country to accept some of the Jewish refugees on board. Antwerp’s port makes Belgium an important transit station: Refugees are generally tolerated as long as they continue onward to another state.

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36397

The Saint Louis in the port of Antwerp, June 1939

In June 1939, more than 200 passengers disembark from the St. Louis in Antwerp after Belgium officially becomes the first country to accept some of the Jewish refugees on board. Antwerp’s port makes Belgium an important transit station: Refugees are generally tolerated as long as they continue onward to another state.

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36397

A “foreign identity card” from the Belgian community of Tournai, 1930s Immigrants must register at their new place of residence and apply for a foreign identity card and residence permit after six months. The Belgian immigration police, which are part of the security service and collect information about immigrants, may refuse to issue or extend a permit. This information is later used by the occupying German forces. Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 522996

A “foreign identity card” from the Belgian community of Tournai, 1930s

Immigrants must register at their new place of residence and apply for a foreign identity card and residence permit after six months. The Belgian immigration police, which are part of the security service and collect information about immigrants, may refuse to issue or extend a permit. This information is later used by the occupying German forces.

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 522996

A “foreign identity card” from the Belgian community of Tournai, 1930s

Immigrants must register at their new place of residence and apply for a foreign identity card and residence permit after six months. The Belgian immigration police, which are part of the security service and collect information about immigrants, may refuse to issue or extend a permit. This information is later used by the occupying German forces.

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 522996

Wall inscription from the 1930s in an inner courtyard at Rue Roger van der Weyden 25, Brussels Before the outbreak of war, a German wall inscription in a Brussels courtyard warns refugees to respect Belgian hospitality. Refugees usually arrive penniless in the big cities; after the November pogrom their number rises to 2,000 per month. Financial support comes to them from aid organizations and private individuals; the Belgian state does not contribute until mid-1939. Photo: Christian Carez Brüssel / Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36390

Wall inscription from the 1930s in an inner courtyard at Rue Roger van der Weyden 25, Brussels

Before the outbreak of war, a German wall inscription in a Brussels courtyard warns refugees to respect Belgian hospitality. Refugees usually arrive penniless in the big cities; after the November pogrom their number rises to 2,000 per month. Financial support comes to them from aid organizations and private individuals; the Belgian state does not contribute until mid-1939.

Photo: Christian Carez Brüssel / Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36390

Wall inscription from the 1930s in an inner courtyard at Rue Roger van der Weyden 25, Brussels

Before the outbreak of war, a German wall inscription in a Brussels courtyard warns refugees to respect Belgian hospitality. Refugees usually arrive penniless in the big cities; after the November pogrom their number rises to 2,000 per month. Financial support comes to them from aid organizations and private individuals; the Belgian state does not contribute until mid-1939.

Photo: Christian Carez Brüssel / Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36390

The Saint Louis in the port of Antwerp, June 1939 In June 1939, more than 200 passengers disembark from the St. Louis in Antwerp after Belgium officially becomes the first country to accept some of the Jewish refugees on board. Antwerp’s port makes Belgium an important transit station: Refugees are generally tolerated as long as they continue onward to another state. Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36397
A “foreign identity card” from the Belgian community of Tournai, 1930s Immigrants must register at their new place of residence and apply for a foreign identity card and residence permit after six months. The Belgian immigration police, which are part of the security service and collect information about immigrants, may refuse to issue or extend a permit. This information is later used by the occupying German forces. Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 522996
Wall inscription from the 1930s in an inner courtyard at Rue Roger van der Weyden 25, Brussels Before the outbreak of war, a German wall inscription in a Brussels courtyard warns refugees to respect Belgian hospitality. Refugees usually arrive penniless in the big cities; after the November pogrom their number rises to 2,000 per month. Financial support comes to them from aid organizations and private individuals; the Belgian state does not contribute until mid-1939. Photo: Christian Carez Brüssel / Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 36390

Delegation

Robert de Foy

* 23 March 1893 Geraardsbergen   † 15 August 1960 Brüssel

Robert Herman Alfred de Foy is the son of the civil servant Léon de Foy, who is admitted to the nobility in 1934. After earning a doctorate in law, he works in the Belgian army and then as a public prosecutor at the Antwerp district court. In 1933 he becomes a deputy and then director of the Sûreté publique, the Belgian security service. He plays a major role in the fight against communist “subversive activities” and in migration control. A conservative Catholic, he advocates a strict immigration policy, especially toward Eastern European Jews. He maintains this approach after the Évian Conference.

Arrested after the German occupation of Belgium in 1940, he is released at Reinhard Heydrich’s instigation and is temporarily appointed head of the foreign police. From September 1943 onward, he serves as secretary general of the Ministry of Justice, and helps release Belgian Jews from German captivity. After the Belgian government returns from exile in 1944, de Foy is not prosecuted. In 1947 he returns to his role as head of state security.

Robert de Foy, undated Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 210730

Robert de Foy, undated

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 210730

Plaque honoring Robert de Foy as a “Righteous Among the Nations,” at the Yad Vashem Memorial In 1975, the memorial at Yad Vashem honors de Foy posthumously as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Belgian Jews during the German occupation. The honor is controversial. Critics charge that de Foy held antisemitic views. In the 1930s he had tried to implement an increasingly rigid approach to Jewish refugees. Yad Vashem, Digital Collections, Jerusalem

Plaque honoring Robert de Foy as a “Righteous Among the Nations,” at the Yad Vashem Memorial

In 1975, the memorial at Yad Vashem honors de Foy posthumously as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Belgian Jews during the German occupation. The honor is controversial. Critics charge that de Foy held antisemitic views. In the 1930s he had tried to implement an increasingly rigid approach to Jewish refugees.

Yad Vashem, Digital Collections, Jerusalem

Robert de Foy, undated Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 210730

Robert de Foy, undated

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 210730

Robert de Foy, undated

Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 210730

Plaque honoring Robert de Foy as a “Righteous Among the Nations,” at the Yad Vashem Memorial In 1975, the memorial at Yad Vashem honors de Foy posthumously as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Belgian Jews during the German occupation. The honor is controversial. Critics charge that de Foy held antisemitic views. In the 1930s he had tried to implement an increasingly rigid approach to Jewish refugees. Yad Vashem, Digital Collections, Jerusalem

Plaque honoring Robert de Foy as a “Righteous Among the Nations,” at the Yad Vashem Memorial

In 1975, the memorial at Yad Vashem honors de Foy posthumously as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Belgian Jews during the German occupation. The honor is controversial. Critics charge that de Foy held antisemitic views. In the 1930s he had tried to implement an increasingly rigid approach to Jewish refugees.

Yad Vashem, Digital Collections, Jerusalem

Plaque honoring Robert de Foy as a “Righteous Among the Nations,” at the Yad Vashem Memorial

In 1975, the memorial at Yad Vashem honors de Foy posthumously as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Belgian Jews during the German occupation. The honor is controversial. Critics charge that de Foy held antisemitic views. In the 1930s he had tried to implement an increasingly rigid approach to Jewish refugees.

Yad Vashem, Digital Collections, Jerusalem

Robert de Foy, undated Collection Cegesoma, Brüssel, DO4 AGR 210730
Plaque honoring Robert de Foy as a “Righteous Among the Nations,” at the Yad Vashem Memorial In 1975, the memorial at Yad Vashem honors de Foy posthumously as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Belgian Jews during the German occupation. The honor is controversial. Critics charge that de Foy held antisemitic views. In the 1930s he had tried to implement an increasingly rigid approach to Jewish refugees. Yad Vashem, Digital Collections, Jerusalem

Joseph-Marie Schneider

* 30 November 1890 Anderlecht   † 21 November 1949 Ixelles/Brüssel

Joseph-Marie Schneider is the eleventh of 14 children of the civil servant Constant Adrien Schneider and his wife Mathilde Juliette. After growing up in a Catholic family, he, too, enters the civil service and pursues a doctorate in law.

He volunteers to serve during World War I, returning home wounded in 1919. After ten years in a classic civil service career in the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Joseph Schneider is promoted to deputy director of the Legal Department. He becomes director at the end of 1936, and it is in this role that he takes part in the Évian Conference. Remaining in the background, he appears to be modest and unobtrusive. But his colleagues attest to his good judgment and resolve.

In 1941 he is promoted to the top position in the Legal Department, where he continues working even under the German occupation. After the war Schneider remains in his position and deals with refugee issues, among other matters.

Joseph-Marie Schneider, likely in the late 1940s Private collection

Joseph-Marie Schneider, likely in the late 1940s

Private collection

Joseph-Marie Schneider, likely in the late 1940s Private collection

Joseph-Marie Schneider, likely in the late 1940s

Private collection

Joseph-Marie Schneider, likely in the late 1940s

Private collection

Joseph-Marie Schneider, likely in the late 1940s Private collection

Conference Contributions

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 1/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 1/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 2/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 2/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 3/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 3/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 4/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 4/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 1/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 1/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 2/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 2/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 3/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 3/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

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X
Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 1/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 1/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 1/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 2/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 2/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 2/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 3/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 3/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 3/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 4/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 4/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 4/4

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 1/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 1/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 1/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 2/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 2/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 2/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 3/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 3/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 3/3

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY

Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 1/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY
Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 2/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY
Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 3/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY
Statement by Robert de Foy (Belgium) in the public session on July 7, 1938, 3.30pm, p. 4/4 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY
Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 1/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY
Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 2/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY
Memorandum by the representative of Belgium for the Technical Sub-Committee, July 10 1938, p. 3/3 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY