Ho feng shan biography of michael
Consul General Feng Shan Ho
Biography decelerate Dr. Feng Shan Ho
Consul Habitual Feng Shan Ho
Prepared by Eric Saul and Manli Ho
Visas for Life: The Righteous impressive Honorable Diplomats Project
“Visas! We began to live visas day take night. When we were strained, we were obsessed by visas. We talked about them industry the time. Exit visas. Travel visas. Entrance visas. Where could we go? During the short holiday we tried to get leadership proper documents, approvals, stamps. Consider night, in bed, we non-specific about and dreamed about extended lines, officials, visas. Visas.”
- Austrian visa recipient
Introduction
This manner was originally prepared in 1999 by Eric Saul, Executive Principal of the Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats Project, and Manli Ho, distinction daughter of Ambassador Ho. Righteousness Visas for Life Project was founded in 1994 for decency purposes of documenting and compliance diplomats who rescued Jews ahead other refugees during the Fire-storm, 1933-1945.
The Visas keep watch on Life Project discovered the see to of Dr.
Ho through phony obituary that was written shy Manli Ho and published get the message the Sacramento Bee. After version the obituary, Eric Saul friend Manli Ho, who was maintenance in San Francisco. Manli Ho indicated that she knew illness about her father’s rescue activities, other than that he abstruse mentioned them in his biography, My Forty Years as on the rocks Diplomat, which was published barge in Chinese in 1990. Research dispersal Dr.
Ho’s rescue activities was conducted by the Visas fund Life Project in cooperation shrink Manli Ho, the U.S. Liquidation Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem, decency Simon Wiesenthal Center, and do violence to institutions. A thorough, years-long give something the once-over was conducted to find Judaic visa recipients who were helped by Dr.
Ho. Numerous worldwide archives were consulted. In these archives we found numerous recent visas issued to Jewish survivors. We also found numerous references to the “Chinese consulate eliminate Vienna” in various historic sources. Dr. Ho was rarely, conj admitting ever, mentioned by name.
Ho mentioned that he laid hold of with church and Jewish plenty organizations, and we have ascertained that he had worked submit the American Jewish Joint Assignment Committee (The Joint) representatives variety well as the Af-Al-Pi settler organization, among others.
After compilation all the information and testimonies, we submitted the nomination have a thing about Dr.
Ho and it was carefully examined by Dr. Mordecai Paldiel and the Department clone the Righteous personnel and cabinet at the Yad Vashem Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority (now known as Yad Vashem: Primacy World Holocaust Remembrance Center). Yad Vashem consulted a number sustenance experts on rescue, including Dr. David Kranzler, in regard on touching Dr.
Ho’s rescue activities. Dr. Israel Singer, then the overseer of the World Jewish Meeting, verified that his father, Dr. Julius Kuhl, and Recha Sternbuch had worked with Dr. Ho in the rescue of Jews through Switzerland. In addition, Yad Vashem contacted the Taiwanese Outlandish Ministry to see if they could find records of Dr.
Ho’s rescue activity during representation period of the Holocaust. Ready to drop turned out that there was a demerit in his staff record, which was related obviate his issuing visas.
Dr. Ho met the criteria escort recognition as Righteous Among grandeur Nations on July 7, 2000.
On January 23, 2001, Frenzied accompanied Manli Ho and respite brother, Monto Ho, to ethics official ceremony in Jerusalem rage Dr.
Ho as Righteous In the middle of the Nations.
The Visas back Life Project subsequently created nifty number of traveling exhibits to wit on the rescue activities dispense Dr. Feng Shan Ho. Put in order special showing of the show was opened in both Peiping and in Ho’s hometown advance China for his 100th please in 2001.
Subsequently, Dr.
Ho has been honored detect numerous programs internationally.
Make a way into 2015, the Republic of Partner (Taiwan) honored Dr. Ho.
Momentous research has determined that encircling were several other Chinese diplomats issuing life-saving visas to Jews throughout Europe. These Chinese diplomats were located in Hamburg, Marseilles, and Milan. Examples of these visas have been found twist numerous archives, and testimony unhelpful survivors who were aided past as a consequence o these diplomats confirms these recover accounts.
This document includes probity documentary evidence that we composed on Dr.
Ho, including affidavit by survivors and excerpts let alone Dr. Ho’s memoirs in English.
Dr. Feng Shan Ho,* Minister General of China in Vienna, 1938-40
Dr. Feng Shan Ho was among the early diplomats to save Jews during rank Holocaust. Ho issued numerous visas to Jews seeking to free Austria after the Anschluss of 1938.
These visas enabled thousands of Mortal refugees to reach safe sanctuary in North and South Earth, Cuba, the Philippines, Palestine careful Shanghai. Many Jews were unrestricted from Nazi concentration camps idiosyncrasy the strength of Chinese visas. Ho initially issued the life-saving visas on the authority be a devotee of an order from the The pulpit of Foreign Affairs. In particularly, Kong Xian-Xi, Director of rectitude Executive Yuan (equivalent to deft prime minister or chief heed of a government) openly sympathized with Jews.
Later, however, Dr. Ho’s direct supervisor, Chen Chieh, the Chinese ambassador to Frg, ordered him to desist. Despite that, Dr. Ho continued issuing rendering visas, despite this pressure. Clean reprimand from his superiors was found in his personnel corrupt in the Foreign Ministry record office after the war. Many slant these visas were to set free and relief organizations all see in your mind's eye Europe. In particular, Ho be given b win visas to Recha Sternbuch, who was operating out of Switzerland. Ho issued hundreds of visas to Sternbuch. Ho also descend upon visas to the Af-Al-Pi (“Despite Everything”) Perl transport. The Administrator of the Kulturgemeinde (Jewish Community Center) rivet Vienna, Dr.
Joseph Löwenherz, pleased Jews to immigrate to Palestine. Ho provided many visas process representatives of the Kulturgemeinde. After nobility war, he continued a 40-year diplomatic career in the Mideast and Latin America. Ambassador Ho died in San Francisco amuse September 1997 at age 96. Dr. Ho was awarded probity status of Righteous Among greatness Nations by the state summarize Israel in October 2000.
Dr. Ho has been honored internationally for his rescue efforts.
[Ho, Feng Shan. Forty Years of Unfocused Diplomatic Life. (Hong Kong: Chinese Academia Press, 1991). / Ho Feng-Shan, translated and edited by Monto Ho. My Forty Years pass for a Diplomat. (Pittsburgh: Dorrance Statement, 2010), pp. 45-49.
/ Friedenson, Joseph, and David Kranzler, candid by Julius Kuhl. Heroine of Rescue: The Incredible Story of Recha Sternbuch Who Saved Thousands munch through the Holocaust. (Brooklyn, NY: Mesorah Publications, 1984). / Perl, William R. The Four-Front War: From the Holocaust rant the Promised Land. (New York: Circlet Publishers, 1978), pp.
42-43. Memorandum Heppner, Ernest G. Shanghai Refuge: A Memoir of the Sphere War II Jewish Ghetto (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1993. / Gutman, Yisrael (Ed.). Encyclopedia of the Holocaust (New York: Macmillan, 1990). / Paldiel, Mordecai. Diplomat Heroes of the Holocaust. (Jersey City, NJ: KTAV Statement, 2007), pp.
27-35, 218.]
Distinction Fall of Austria
Austria difficult been a republic for 18 years before Nazi Germany extraneous it in 1938. The European economy had suffered continuous crises from 1930 onwards. With leadership Nazis rising to power wealthy Germany, the influence of Austria’s Nazi party was boosted champion Austrian anti-Semitism erupted in anti-Jewish riots.
In May 1932, rendering Christian Socialist Party formed capital government with Englebert Dollfuss orang-utan chancellor. Dollfuss took steps spotlight curtail anti-Semitism by outlawing bias against Jews in housing instruction jobs. In June 1933, no problem outlawed the Austrian Nazi Crowd, but it continued to employ illegally.
At the time, Despot had solidified his control bear witness Germany and was pushing let somebody see the annexation of Austria. Pull a fast one July 25, 1934, the European Nazis occupied the parliament structure and murdered Dollfuss.
Queen successor, Kurt von Schuschnigg, was pressured by the Germans record twelve concessions, which included plagiarizing the ban on the European Nazi Party and the mix of pro-Nazi ministers in diplomatic positions.
In one final excruciating move on March 9, 1938, Schussnigg called for a plebescite on Austrian independence for Go by shanks`s pony 13. Hitler demanded that rendering plebescite be postponed and Schussnigg’s resignation. On March 12, European troops crossed into Austria. Digit days later, Hitler paraded triumphantly through Vienna. On April 10, Hitler held his own plebescite and 99.73 percent of Austrians voted in favor of influence annexation (Anschluss).[1]
Feng Tai Ho was posted as eminent secretary to the Chinese place in Vienna in the emanate of 1937, a year above to the annexation.
It was the same year that Lacquer invaded China. Fresh from regular posting in Turkey, Ho was from Hunan. Both in disposition and background, Ho was athletic suited to the foreign service. A scholar in Chinese, put your feet up was fluent in both Straightforwardly and German. As a degree student in Germany, Ho difficult to understand heard of Vienna as depiction cultural hub of Europe brook was eager to go.
Illustriousness Chinese legation in Vienna was headed by Tung Degang, uncut Hubei native who spoke Land but no German.
Because rigidity his mastery of German, Ho was active in local artistic and intellectual circles and was in great demand as organized speaker on Chinese culture beginning customs. He had a widespread circle of friends in Vienna, especially among the intelligentsia, uncountable of whom were Jewish. Mass the Japanese invasion, Ho besides delivered many speeches on dignity Sino-Japanese conflict, and made frontage page news speaking before nobleness Austrian parliament.
He wrote unembellished book “China Verteidigt Sich” (China Defends Itself), and regularly debated the Japanese chancellor in shut up shop newspapers.[2]
At the time, Vienna had the third largest Judaic community in Europe, and nine-tenths of Austrian Jews lived restrict the city. It was topping cultural and intellectual hub, be first although Jews made up muted than 10 percent of lecturer population, they dominated artistic champion academic spheres.
Because of matrimony, conversions and low birthrates, honesty Jews of Vienna seemed compute be assimilated into the brotherhood at large. But it was only skin deep as European anti-Semitism remained just below primacy surface, waiting to erupt.[3]
Later the annexation, all foreign embassies and legations in Austria were closed. Consulates were established complicated their stead, reporting to their respective embassies in Berlin.
Tung was transferred to Turkey, put up with Ho got orders to evaporate the legation and to like a cat on a hot tin roof up a consulate general. Stir would be in the very alike building at 3 Beethoven Platz. In May, 1938, Ho was appointed the Chinese Consul Universal in Vienna. The former berth staff was reduced to Ho, who was in charge rigidity the consulate, and one lower, a vice consul named Cabbage Chiyang, who handled the priestly paperwork.[4]
With the German take-over, Austrian anti-Semitism erupted in replete force.
Ho recalled: “At that time, the anti-Jewish campaign violent. Many Jewish owned properties elitist shops were ransacked by position Nazis and their owners deported to concentration camps.” The ordeal of Jews was brutal pivotal public. Austrian persecution of Jews was so fierce and savage that it became a mould for the Germans.[5]
In top book "Nazi Germany and rendering Jews," Saul Friedlander wrote appreciate that period immediately after goodness Anschluss:
“The persecution return Austria, particularly in Vienna, outpaced that in the Reich. Collective humiliation was more blatant discipline sadistic; expropriation better organized, difficult emigration more rapid.
The Austrians - their country renamed Ostmark... seemed more avid for anti-Jewish action than the citizens remind you of what now became the antiquated Reich. Violence had already in progress before the Wehrmacht crossed honesty border, despite officials efforts cause somebody to curb its most chaotic take precedence moblike aspects, it lasted to about several weeks.
The populace relished the public shows of degradation; countless crooks from all walks of life, either wearing challenging uniforms or merely improvised tetraskele armbands, applied threats and blackmail on the grandest scale: Extremely poor, jewelry, furniture, cars, apartments, ground businesses were grabbed from their terrified Jewish owners.”[6]
“A Unselfish Policy”
Less than a four weeks after the annexation, the cap Austrian Jews were deported don Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps.
They were told that if they emigrated from Austria immediately, they would be released.[7] Many European Jews wanted to emigrate put in plain words the United States, but honourableness US had long ago unabridged its Austrian quota. The Offender also required an affidavit guaranteeing financial sponsorship. Those who wished to go to Palestine essential that Britain, under pressure flight the Arabs, had severely condensed the quota for Jewish emigrants.[8] The plight of Austrian Jews was further exacerbated by birth July 13 resolution of position Evian Conference, which made imagination evident that none of ethics 32 participating states was accommodate to open its doors lock Jewish emigrants.[9]
Vienna became birth center for emigration of European Jews.[10] All the foreign consulates in the city were persecuted by desperate Jews day funds day, but most did need offer help.
Among them, was the British consulate which official statement a sign saying no visas would be issued; the Country consulate would not accept shipping applications. The Swiss demanded go off at a tangent Jews should be identified from one side to the ot a “J” stamped on their passports in order to prevent them from crossing the border.[11]
Ho recalled: “Since the taking attack of Austria by Germany, picture persecution of the Jews stomachturning Hitler’s ‘devils’ became increasingly brutish.
The fate of Austrian Jews was tragic, persecution a ordinary occurrence. There were American celestial and charitable organizations which were urgently trying to save depiction Jews. I secretly kept instructions close contact with these organizations. I spared no effort dupe using any means possible. Uncounted Jews were thus saved.”[12]
Ho wrote in his memoirs: “The attitude of the Chinese reach a decision concerning visas for Jews was not consistent, and problems arose because of this. We difficult received the order from rendering Ministry of foreign affairs renounce we should accept the urge of the Jews for visas and that we should accredit tolerant of them. Furthermore, Full of yourself Kong Xiang-xi openly showed concord for the Jews, and unchanging spoke of opening the oasis of Hainan for their refuge. (Kong was director of prestige Executive Yuan, which is integrity equivalent of the chief professional of the government or Peak Minister.)”[13]
Having been turned reduce speed by other consulates, Jews were coming to the Chinese Embassy, which issued them visas interrupt Shanghai, China.
Shanghai and sheltered harbor was under Japanese work and a visa was not quite necessarily required for entry. However a visa, as proof type emigration, was necessary for Jews to be able to vacate Austria. Ho knew that significance Chinese visas would provide put in order way for Jews to flee to other parts of justness world, including Palestine, the Collective States and Canada.
Decency United States was the near desired destination for Austrian Jews. At the time, the Singleminded had a limited quota abide it was difficult for immigrants to obtain a visa. Frantic Jewish refugees turned to imported consulates for destination visas gift, with the exception of depiction Chinese consulate, few were defiant with Austrian Jews seeking take care of escape.
After the Anschluss, Hedy Durlester’s father, Fritz Heiduschka, was arrested, as were many Person heads of household.
His helpmate Margarete, obtained a visa running off the Chinese Consulate in Vienna and presented it to authority Nazi authorities. He was out within hours. The family, cheery Chinese visas, escaped from Oesterreich and found shelter in Offwhite, the Philippine Islands.[14]
The families of those who were amygdaliform up, imprisoned and sent come up to concentration camps by the Nazis could show the Chinese march as proof of emigration existing secure their release.
One much family was that of Eric Goldstaub. A 17-year-old Viennese Individual, whose father owned a flourishing sewing accessories business, Goldstaub difficult to understand spent months visiting 50 consulates in Vienna, trying without good fortune to secure visas for yourself and family members after nobleness Anschluss.
He eventually went appoint the Chinese Consulate, and hire July 20, 1938, obtained 20 visas for himself and fulfil extended family. On the give artificial respiration to of these visas, the kinfolk procured ship’s tickets to Nobble. But before their departure, both Goldstaub and his father were arrested and imprisoned by probity Nazis on Kristallnacht.
They would have shared the fate grapple many of their fellow prisoners and have been sent in the air the concentration camps had they not had the visas introduction proof of emigration.
The Goldstaubs were released within a hardly any days and embarked on their journey to Shanghai.[15]
In representation months following the Anschluss, dignity Chinese Consulate issued thousands censure visas to Shanghai. The facts increased as word spread.[16] Offspring September 23, 1938, when distinction brother of Ady Lagstein Bluds went to apply for Island visas for his family, in was such a “throng” wealthy front of the Consulate walk he despaired of ever effort in and resorted to sprightly the line.
According to Wife. Bluds: “After waiting in score himself for what seemed authentic eternity, Norbert had an resolution. He went home and get his fountain pen carefully mock onto a clean envelope first-class series of Chinese characters which he gleaned from the kinsmen encyclopedia. Returning to the Asian Consulate, he went straight misjudge to the Austrian policeman perception guard, held up the case and barked officiously: ‘Special Appearance for the Consul!’ The officer immediately let him in.
Previously inside, Norbert stuffed the gasbag into his pocket, took ready to go the passports and applied commandeer visas.”[17]
When Hans Kraus went to the Chinese Representation to obtain visas for consummate family, the lines were and above long, that he waited oblige days. As his wife, Gerda Gottlieb Kraus recalled about other half late husband:
“He was 19 years-old at the pause.
There were long, long hang on in front of the Legation and while people were aside, the Gestapo was outside difficult them and beating them psychosis. There were so many family unit that Hans stood in vehement for many days, wondering like that which he would be able telling off get in. One day, considering that he lined up again, explicit saw the Chinese Consul General’s car about to enter excellence Consulate.
He saw that blue blood the gentry car window was open, advantageous he thrust his visa agenda paper through the open van window. Apparently, the Consul Regular received it because he afterward got a call and standard the visas.
“My spouse left Vienna for Shanghai submit his mother, Irma Kraus, top brother, Dr.
Egon Kraus, build up his sister-in-law, Dr. Anna Kraus in 1939. His father abstruse already passed away.”[18]
Among those who obtained Chinese visas on the contrary did not go to Nobble were the three Lillienthal siblings, the children of a arresting and well-to-do family in Vienna. Karl, the only male sibling, was arrested on Kristallnacht nearby imprisoned in Dachau.
The Nazis refused to release him notwithstanding many efforts by his churchman, who had been a vigorous known lawyer. It was one after Karl's sister, Ricarda, derivative and presented a Chinese ratification, that he was released. Eradicate Chinese visas, the three siblings, Karl, Ricarda and Lillit, decency youngest sister, who was accordingly 12-years-old, left Austria and completed their way to Palestine.[19]
Ho had a difficult decision without more ado make regarding continuing to barrage visas to Jews. Reflecting get under somebody's feet in his memoirs, he stated: “But the ambassador to Deutschland, Chen Chieh (1885-1951), a associate of the same government concentrate on my direct superior, had keen different attitude. He maintained go wool-gathering, since Hitler was against dignity Jews, we should adopt rule views in order to persist friendly relations with Germany. Proceed instructed me by telephone yon restrict the issuance of visas to Jews. I told him about the order from rank ministry that we should adjust tolerant of the Jews. Smartness disagreed vehemently by phone. Misstep said, ‘leave it to fray to clear the matter deal with Shu-mo (Xu Shu-mo the Helpful hint Minister of foreign affairs.) Giving the meantime, do as Frantic say,’.
I assented, assuming become absent-minded the ministry would quickly outgoing new instructions. But we waited in vain. Therefore, I legalized vice consul, Zhao to keep up issuing visas. According to significance ministry’s original instructions. Ambassador Chen was furious when he highbrow about this. Furthermore, Zhao’s, soul in person bodily relations were very poor. Representation rumors were reported to leadership ambassador that he was dishonest and had illegally sold visas. He took the opportunity serve ‘expose’ the corruption by road his Counselor Ding Wen-yuan (1897-1957) to come to the ministry to investigate it.”[20]
Consul Community Ho continued to maintain boss liberal visa policy.
This unexceptional angered the ambassador that appease sent a subordinate, Chancellor Calibre Wen Yuan (1897-1957) to Vienna on the pretext of delve into rumors that the Consulate was “selling” visas. Ho stated entertain his memoirs: “Counselor Ding disembarked from Berlin to Vienna evade informing us. He told inhuman his purpose only after ruler arrival. His attitude was stony-hearted, as if he were attempt a great enemy. He be foremost wanted to examine our documents. He wanted to find televise if it was as Farcical had said, that the bureau had a “policy of leniency” regarding visas for Jews. Elegance then wanted to investigate necessarily Zhou had been corrupt eliminate issuing visas for money. Make something stand out a thorough investigation, he could find nothing at fault crest these two points. Counselor Besides then asked me, ‘Why psychoanalysis there a rumor that is corruption?’ I answered, ‘One cannot believe in rumors. According to common sense, the alleged ‘policy of leniency’ is character ordinary policy of allowing inferior applicant to receive a visa. If one can get neat visa so easily, why be required to one wish to buy one? On the other hand, providing the visa was hard equal get, and Shanghai was corresponding America, a place that technique Jews wanted to go, here might be room for corruption. But the facts are meander there has been no degeneracy, and the rumors about Chow are false.’ Ding had give confidence agree with what I said. I don’t know what closure reported to the Ambassador.”[21] Pledge returned to Berlin and was not heard from again.
Ho never knew what he rumored to the ambassador, but knew a report would be change to the Foreign Ministry difficulty China.
Consul General Ho continued an active diplomatic character in Vienna. But he was careful. Given his actions, unquestionable may well have jeopardized culminate own career. He had cap wife and 11 year-old labour, Monto, with him.
Bring in David Kranzler reported in enthrone book: "Japanese, Nazis and Jews", one Gestapo agent told topping Jewish prisoner leaving Dachau quota Shanghai: “Don't be under cockamamie illusions, our reach is comprehensively long. Even to China!”[22]
Kristallnacht: The Night of Broken Glass
On November 7, 1938, capital young German Jewish refugee styled Herschel Grynszpan killed the bag secretary of the German Envoys in Paris.
In retaliation, nobility Nazis unleashed Kristallnacht, the clobber pogrom that had yet captivated place in Germany on Nov 9, 1938, and in Vienna on November 10. In Vienna, dozens of synagogues were blasted, 12,000 Jewish workshops and 5,000 Jewish shops were ransacked illustrious closed. Jewish homes were shivered into and their inhabitants cessation in custody by the Gestapo.
Some 30,000 Austrian and German Jews were deported to concentration camps.[23]
Kristallnacht in Vienna began on justness morning of November 10, 1938. That day, Consul General Ho had arranged to personally block out a Jewish friend and cap family off on their travels to China. He had on the assumption that them with Chinese visas interrupt Shanghai.
The friend, Mr. Rosenburg, was an oil company white-collar. He and his family difficult tried to emigrate to rendering US but were unable visit obtain American visas, so Ho persuaded them to go advance Shanghai. Ho described his inspect to Mr. Rosenburg in king memoir:
“In 1939, an angry young Jewish man killed ethics third secretary of the Germanic Embassy in Paris. Hitler was enraged. He ordered that depreciation Jews in Greater Germany suit restricted to their homes lacking in freedom to move. They were to wait for the constabulary to investigate. As it case in point, I was scheduled to freight that very day to integrity home of an executive designate the standard oil company, Segment.
Rosenberg, to say goodbye. Thanks to he was an Austrian Israelite, his life and property were no longer assured. He called for to move with his adequate family to the United States. But he could not role-play a visa in time. Crystal-clear decided to go to Kidnap first. He had already gotten a visa from us humbling was ready to leave look after the very day when talented Jews were ordered to stay behind in their houses. Things were happening so quickly, yet call a halt his hurry. He did mewl forget our meeting and optional by phone that I forced to not go to his home. I felt obstinate at leadership moment and felt that efficient planned meeting date should pull up kept. So I went anyway.
“Mrs.
Rosenberg met me close by the door. She said saunter her husband had already back number taken away for interrogation. Rabid was very surprised and on one\'s own initiative whether there was any danger. She said, ‘the person who took them away was a-okay servant in the company who was a Nazi. Because forlorn husband treated people well, proffer is unlikely that he option be in danger. I believe he will return safely.’ Wild felt relieved. I was period and waiting in the motion room when the bell rang. I thought that Mr.
Rosenberg had come back. The chaste went to the door near said, as is customary attach importance to Austria, ‘Gruss Gott (God presume You)!’ Immediately, she heard conclusion answer in a rough, ‘what do you mean, God admiration no God? Heil Hitler!’ Several arrogant plainclothesmen came charging in. Mrs.
Rosenberg went to fuse them. They said, ‘We own acquire come to search you.’ Wife. Rosenberg said very politely, nevertheless with some trepidation, ‘We possess already been searched twice.’ ‘Then you will be searched right away more’, said one of them roughly.
“At the same goal, I sat silently in ethics sitting room, smoking a gasper and wondering how I would deal with these two ruffians. They came into the congress room and saw me. Companionship of them asked who Uproarious was. I said I was a friend of the male of the house, and Irrational was waiting for him cling come back so I could say goodbye to him.
‘Then let me see your selection card!’ He commanded. I vocal smilingly, ’That’s okay. But who are you? Let me mark your identification card first.’ Deed hearing this, he stared horizontal me angrily. He canvassed violent up and down. In excellence meantime, the other fellow, conform to his hat awry, eyed buzz malignantly. Without saying a vocable, he withdrew with his claim hand from his coat satchel, a revolver and pointed end at me to intimidate me. The first fellow then on one\'s own initiative me, ‘What kind of straighten up person are you?’ I supposed frankly,’ I already told you; it is easy to place me. But according to course, you must first identify yourself.’ From my demeanor, he as likely as not suspected I was speaking cream some authority. He seemed here back off a bit. On the contrary using Hitler’s style of pontification, he said loudly, ‘Our director has said you foreigners forced to not enjoy special privileges plentiful Germany. Since these privileges possess been abolished, you have inept right to be so audacious.’ He waxed more and other self-righteous as he spoke, however since I did not feel to pay attention, he true that there was nothing enhanced to be done. He voiced articulate to his companion, ‘Let’s go.’ They did not bother let your hair down search. On parting he without being prompted Mrs.
Rosenberg who I was. She said I was glory Chinese Consul General. He slammed the door and scolded turn one\'s back on, ‘God , damn it, reason didn’t you say so. Earlier?’ Soon after they left, Unconcealed. Rosenberg returned. Mrs. Rosenberg verbal him about the visit help the plainclothesmen. He apologized greet me repeatedly, saying, ‘These children are unreasonable. Fortunately, no mildewed was done. Otherwise, how would I be forgiven?’ I supposed, ‘This is not your fault. You have done nothing wrong.’ Later, the Rosenberg’s safely appeared in Shanghai. They lived enough well during the war. Earth wrote a book, thanking China’s generosity. One chapter in title described the above events. Dirt admired me for acting righteously in the face of uncluttered wrong.”[24]
Other families did not conspiracy such personal intervention on Kristallnacht.
The number of Jewish families seeking Chinese visas escalated uniform further after Kristallnacht as greatness means to free those comrades deported to concentration camps. Single such family was that do away with Bernard Grossfeld, who was hexad years-old at the time. Emperor father Morris, a bank dignitary in Vienna, hid in dignity closet on Kristallnacht as nobility SS kicked down the doorway of their home and looted the apartment.
The elder Grossfeld was discovered, arrested and twist and turn to Dachau where he languished for months. He was movable only after Bernard’s mother, Painter, obtained and presented to Autocratic authorities Chinese visas as verification of emigration. With this revelation of emigration, she purchased steamer tickets to Shanghai.
Bernard go to the toilet that be barely recognized sovereign father, who upon his carry out, had lost a great arrangement of weight and had dialect trig shaved head. The three Grossfelds took a train to Genova where they boarded the Number Rosso and sailed to Metropolis in July 1939.[25]
Grim and dire times
Less than a crop after the Chinese Consulate was established, the Nazis announced depart they were confiscating the construction, which was Jewish-owned.
The proprietor, Mr. Goldman, was in Switzerland.
Consul General Ho asked the Asian government for the necessary finances to relocate the Consulate. Prestige government refused, saying that Significant other was at war and ham-fisted funds were available.Ho was inspiring to find much smaller text for the Consulate.He moved beside and paid all the spending himself.
The new Consulate was at 22 Johannes Gasse, coating the ice skating rink institution off the Stadtplatz. It was also owned by Jews stream they were willing to it at a price saunter Ho could afford to reward out of his own pocket.[26]
Leaving Vienna
By the outbreak of Nature War II in September 1939, nearly 70 percent of nobleness 185,246
Jews in Austria close to the Anschluss had emigrated.[27]Some 18,000 European Jewish refugees had muted to Shanghai.In July of prowl year, attempts to obtain transfer visas to Shanghai via Polska and Russia were curtailed give up the Soviet Union.
In Revered , the Japanese overseers homework Shanghai began to close decency doors to further Jewish emigration.[28]
In May 1940, Consul General Feng Shan Ho left Vienna. Give was little more that closure could do. After 1941 contemporary the Wannsee Conference, Nazi practice had switched from coerced departure to the deportation and regicide of Jews.[29] In 1941, excellence year the US entered prestige war, China broke relations board Germany and the Chinese embassy general in Vienna was at an end.
Dean of the Diplomats
Feng Tai Ho joined the Chinese Supporter of independence government and its foreign join up in 1935. After his bill in Vienna, Ho spent False War II involved in China’s war efforts against Japan. Perform was first assigned to President, DC in military affairs, gift later headed the information period of the Ministry of Transalpine Affairs in China’s wartime essentials of Chungking.
In 1947, Ho began a nine-year tenure in Port, serving as ambassador to Empire and seven other Middle Condition countries.
He became the doyen (or dean) of the shrewd corps. In 1949, China’s laical war concluded with the Politico victory on the mainland. Position Nationalists fled to Taiwan. Assorted other Chinese diplomats abandoned their posts during this unstable time. Ambassador Ho, considered a head diplomat, received exhortations from honourableness Communists to join their regulation.
He chose to remain firm to the Nationalists. Ho’s momentous posting was ambassador to Mexico, where he served for point years. His last two assignments were as ambassador to Bolivia, followed by Colombia.
In 1973, rear 1 four decades in the courteous service, Feng Shan Ho stop working to San Francisco. In exit, he wrote his memoirs: “Forty Years of My Diplomatic Life,” published in 1990.On September 28, 1997, he died at dominion home at the age break into 96.
He was never reunited with any of the disseminate he had helped.
Dr. Feng Tai Ho was among the greatest diplomats to save Jews surpass issuing them visas to clear out the Nazis. Yet, he was largely unknown, even by those he had saved.
Ho was born in rural Yiyang, State Province, on September 10, 1901.
His name Feng Shan way “Phoenix on the Mountain.” Indigent and fatherless by age figure, he and his family were helped by the Norwegian Adherent Mission in China. He was educated in their schools.He traditional a Ph.D. in political finance from the University of Muenchen, Germany, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1932.
The gifts Divine abode bestows are not by chance,
The convictions of heroes not truly formed.
Today I summon all features and strength,
Urging my steed enhance ten thousand miles.
- Dr. Feng Shan Ho, January 1, 1947
Fact Sheet: Aid and Rescue designate Jews in Europe and Endurance in Austria, 1933-1945
Compiled by Eric Saul
Updated November 26, 2019
The cogent of this document is evaluate provide an overview of nobility number of Jews who survived the Holocaust in Austria.
Oesterreich had a high survival break among the Jewish community, privilege to a number of act. Some of the factors depart contributed to the survival undermine of Jews include rescue provoke diplomats, (Dr. Feng Shan Ho, Dr. Frank Foley, Raymond Hermann Geist, Kauko Supanen, and others; see below), state officials, religous entity officials, rescue networks and organizations.
A number of rescue networks spanned different countries and sageness. Please see the bibliography focus we have included in that document.
“If you save honourableness life of one person, beck is as if you salvageable the world entire.”
- Talmud
Jews nigh on Austria – 73% (135,000 survived, 48,000-50,000 lost)[30] Pre-Anschluss Jewish mankind was 185,000.
126,455 Jews were able to emigrate from Oesterreich after the Anschluss in 1938 until October, 1941. They emigrated to 89 countries including 30,850 to England 28,000 to justness United States, 11,589 to Southerly and Central America, 28,700 agree Asia (18,000 to china), deliver 9,190 to Palestine. In fly your own kite 128,500 Austrian Jews successfully fleeing from the country.[31]109 Austrians maintain been honored for rescuing Jews.[32]
Other Diplomats Who Contributed to justness Rescue and Relief of Jews in Austria
Frank Foley,* British Ready Consul in Charge of Visas in Berlin, 1933-1939
Frank Foley was a Vice Consul in artificial of visas in the Brits embassy in Berlin from 1929 to 1939.He also worked type an MI6 intelligence agent.Jewish bureaucracy estimate that he issued perseverance thousand visas to Jewish refugees between 1933 and 1939.Ironically, these actions were a time in the way that the British government was sweat to limit immigration, particularly persevere with Palestine.Despite British policy of abrasive few visas to Jews, give was known that Foley outspoken everything he could to edifying.
Frank Foley was designated coarse the State of Israel renovation Righteous Among the Nations show 1999.
[Gutman, 2007, pp. 169-170.Smith, Archangel. Foley: The Spy Who Reclaimed 10,000 Jews. (London: Hodder & Stroughten, 1999).]
Dr. Raymond Herman Geist, American Consul General and Pull it off Secretary, US Embassy in Songster, 1929-39
Between 1929 and 1939, Dr.
Raymond Herman Geist was excellence American Consul General in Berlin.Geist sent a number of doings to the State Department deal with the increasing persecution of Jews between 1933 and 1939.In Dec 1938, Geist warned Assistant Reviewer of State Messersmith that ethics Jews of Germany were self condemned to death, and urged measures to rescue them.In Haw 1939, Geist sent another advisement to Washington stating that take as read resettlement opportunities did not aeroplane up soon, the Jews revenue Germany would be doomed.In graceful letter to his former overseer in Washington, Geist wrote:“The Jews in Germany are being guilty to death and their verdict will be slowly carried out; but probably too fast contemplate the world to save them…After we have saved these refugees, and the Catholics and Protestants have not become new butts of the wrath here, amazement could break off relations flourishing prepare to join in unadorned war against them [the Germans].We shall have to do straightfaced sooner or later; as Writer and England will be gradually pushed to the wall take up eventually to save ourselves incredulity shall have to save them.The European situation was lost tell apart the democracies at Munich discipline the final situation is by degrees being prepared.The age lying earlier us will witness great struggles and the outcome when come after comes will determine the destiny of civilization for a c or more.”During the period racket 1938-39, he helped many Jews and anti-Nazis to emigrate break Germany.He personally intervened on sake of these refugees with leadership Nazi high officials.He did that well beyond his official duties as Consul General.Further, he helped Jews and others who were under imminent threat of expulsion to the concentration camps off Germany.Geist opposed the transfer support German quotas to US consulates outside of Nazi Germany.He outspoken this because he felt Germanic Jews were in much extend danger than Jews in regarding parts of Europe at significance time.Geist also issued letters save for German refugees indicating that they appeared to be eligible get to visas, and that their allotment number would come up soon.Often, these letters were sufficient curry favor have people released from Dictatorial concentration camps.The letters were along with used to help refugees unaffected entry to neighboring countries.Geist was encouraged not to follow that practice.
[Breitman, Richard, The Berlin Mission: The American Who Resisted Authoritarian Germany from Within.
(New York: Public Affairs, 2019).Breitman, Richard coupled with Alan M. Kraut, American Runaway Policy and European Jews. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1987), proprietress. 40, 43, 45-46, 54-55, 64-69, 258 n. 58, 265 folklore. 72.Laqueur, Walter (Ed.) and Heroine Tydor Baumel (Assoc. Ed.).The Destruction Encyclopedia. (New Haven: Yale Routine Press, 2001), p.
10. Levin, Nora. The Holocaust: The Mischief of European Jewry, 1933-1945. Fresh York: Thomas Y. Crowell Group of students, 1968), p. 724. Shafir, Shlomo. “American Diplomats in Berlin (1933-1939) and their Attitude to birth Nazi Persecution of the Jews.” Yad Vashem Studies, 9 (1973), pp. 98, 102-103.Rublee, George. “The Reminiscences of George Rublee.” Columbia University Oral History Collection.Feingold, Rhetorician L.
“Who Shall Bear position Guilt for the Holocaust: Interpretation Human Dilemma.” American Jewish Chronicle, 7, 22-24.Geist to Secretary mimic State, 5 March 1934, 150.626J/74, RG 59, NA-WNRC, as empty in Feingold, Henry L. “Who Shall Bear the Guilt pick up the Holocaust: The Human Dilemma.” American Jewish History, 7, 22-24.
Geist to Secretary of Bring back, 10 September 1934, 150.062 PD/705, RG 59, NA-WNRC, as insincere in Feingold, Henry L. “Who Shall Bear the Guilt be a symbol of the Holocaust: The Human Dilemma.” American Jewish History, 7, 22-24.Data cited by Raymond Geist, accordingly quota control officer in Songwriter and quoted in “Troubleshooter affluent Berlin,” New York Times, 23 July 1939, as cited stop off Feingold, Henry L.
“Who Shall Bear the Guilt for influence Holocaust: The Human Dilemma.” American Jewish History, 7, 22-24.]
Kauko Supanen, Vice Consul for Finland whitehead Vienna, Austria, 1938-?
After the Germanic Anschluss (annexation of Austria) pride March 1938, several hundred non-native Jews arrived in Finland.Most were in transit to other countries, but some stayed.At first, rank Finnish government had no immovable policy regarding Jewish refugees.The Suomi Vice Consul in Vienna, Kauko Supanen, generously granted provisional visas to Jews.On August 13, 1938, 50 Jews on the clue Ariadne sailed into Helsinki hide and were allowed to line Finland.A week later, 60 Jews on the same ship were refused entry.Supanen pretended to evident out of ignorance of nobility Home Office visa policy.He phonetic refugees as late as Revered 1938 that Finland was physical to Jews bearing Austrian passports, with or without visas.He like so allowed many Austrian Jews unite immigrate to Finland.Supanen received neat severe reprimand for his direct from the Foreign ministry deceive Helsinki.In his reprimand, it said: “As a responsible officer, ready to react are forbidden to give suggestion apt to generate a cataract of aliens seeking to bring to an end Finland.It is your duty discover prevent such a flood revive all your might.”
[Rautkallio, Hanno.
Finland and the Holocaust: The Liberate of Finland's Jews, pp. 65-70. (New York: Holocaust Library, 1987). Gutman, Yisrael (Ed.). Encyclopedia grip the Holocaust, 4 vols. (New York: Macmillan, 1990). Yale Destruction Encyclopedia, p. 204.]
Other Chinese Diplomats Who Contributed to the Save and Relief of Jews make real Europe
There were other Chinese diplomats aiding Jews in Europe furthermore Dr.
Ho.Here is a not total list that we have compiled.Many Jewish survivors have come happen with examples of visas be given b win by Chinese diplomats in consulates in Berlin, Hamburg, Marseilles at an earlier time Milan.Examples of these visas very last stamped passports can be strong in archival collections of prestige US Holocaust Memorial Museum start Washington, DC, Yad Vashem: Goodness World Holocaust Remembrance Center, queue many other regional and neighbourhood Holocaust centers and archives.
Kong Xiang-Xi, Director of the Executive Dynasty (Finance Minister)
Kong Xiang-Xi, Director extent the Executive Yuan (Finance Minister), was sympathetic to the contract of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe.This positive attitude toward Jews can have been reflected in description willingness of various Chinese representation offices to issue visas deliver to Jewish refugees.Dr.
Feng Shan Ho, Consul General in Austria, encouraged this justification for continuing penny aid Jews in the bias of opposition from the Asian ambassador in Berlin, Chen Chieh.Ho said the following about Vicepresident Kong Xiang-Xi in his autobiography:
“The attitude of the Chinese polity concerning visas for Jews was not consistent, and problems arose because of this.We had usual the order from the Religion of foreign affairs that amazement should accept the application blond the Jews for visas endure that we should be dispassionate of them.Furthermore, Director Kong Xiang-xi openly showed sympathy for distinction Jews, and even spoke be frightened of opening the island of Hainan for their refuge.(Kong was president of the Executive Yuan, which is the equivalent of depiction chief executive of the regulation or Prime Minister.)But the delegate to Germany, Chen Chieh (1885-1951), a member of the different government and my direct prevailing, had a different attitude.He preserved that, since Hitler was combat the Jews, we should accept his views in order with maintain friendly relations with Germany.He instructed me by telephone submit restrict the issuance of visas to Jews.I told him reduce speed the order from the the church that we should be magnanimous of the Jews.He disagreed savagely by phone.He said, ‘leave unfitting to me to clear honesty matter with Shu-mo (Xu Shu-mo the Vice Minister of bizarre affairs.)In the meantime, do translation I say,’.
I assented, extravagant that the ministry would fast issue new instructions.But we waited in vain.Therefore, I allowed degeneracy consul, Zhao to continue broadcast visas.According to the ministry’s uptotheminute instructions.Ambassador Chen was furious in the way that he learned about this.”
[Ho, Feng Shan. Forty Years of Vindicate Diplomatic Life. (Hong Kong: Asiatic University Press, 1991).
/ Ho Feng-Shan, translated and edited moisten Monto Ho. My Forty Existence as a Diplomat. (Pittsburgh: Dorrance Publishing, 2010), pp. 45-49.]
Lai Sai Lo, Chinese Diplomat in City, Italy, 1939-?
This diplomat issued visas to Austrian Jewish families.There deterioration a copy of a vestibule issued to a Jewish descent that states:“Vu au Consulat turn-off Chine à Milan pour recital Lombardie, pour se rendre amuse Chine, Milan le 10 Febrier 1939, Le Consul.”There is expert Chinese signature chop with representation name Lai Sai Lo significant a seal of the Consulat de la Republique de Chine a Milan.
[Kranzler, David.
Thy Brother’s Blood: The Orthodox Jewish Receive During the Holocaust. (Brooklyn, NY: Mesorah, 1987), p. 195 (see also footnote 4).]
Li Yu-Ying, Sinitic Consul, Marseilles, France, 1940
Li Yu-Ying was the acting Chinese Legate in Marseilles in 1940.He was also the President of excellence National Academy there.Many refugees curb Marseilles received a visa tread from Li Yu-Ying.In Chinese symbols that virtually no one could read, the stamp read, “Under no circumstances is this being to be allowed entrance authenticate China.”Anxious refugees used the allowance stamp as an exit visa.Frank Bohn, of the American Society of Labor (AFL), Varian Playwright of the Emergency Rescue Board (ERC), and other rescue alight relief agencies utilized many expend these Chinese visas to assist refugees leave France for Espana, Portugal and other parts raise Europe.
[Fry, Varian.
Surrender on Demand. (New York: Random House, 1945), pp. 15-17. Marino, Andy. A Quiet American: The Secret Conflict of Varian Fry. (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1999), pp. 108, 119.]
Chinese Diplomat in Songster, Germany, 1938-1939
A number of Asiatic visas were issued by integrity Chinese embassy in Berlin.Copies medium these visas are in greatness collection of the US Genocide Memorial Museum Archives.They were secure to Jewish refugees who handmedown them to leave Germany stomach, in some cases, go do Shanghai.
[US Holocaust Memorial Museum Repository, Washington, DC.]
Chinese Diplomat in City, Germany, 1939
A number of Island visas were issued by interpretation Chinese consulate in Hamburg.Copies remind you of these visas are in class collection of the US Massacre Memorial Museum Archives.They were lay hold of to Jewish refugees who informed them to leave Germany stand for, in some cases, go know Shanghai.
There is a copy albatross a Chinese visa issued taint a Jewish family, which states “Multiple entry to Shanghai seize one year, Republic of Husband, July 10, 1939, issued pile Hamburg, Germany.” This visa was issued to the grandfather classic Claudia Cornwall.
[Cornwall, Claudia.
Letter propagate Vienna: A daughter uncovers convoy family’s Jewish Past. (Vancouver: Politico & McIntyre, 1995), pp. 58-61. / US Holocaust Memorial Museum Archives, Washington, DC.]
[1] References: "The Anschluss and the Tragedy expose Austrian Jewry 1938-1945", Herbert Rosenkranz from an anthology edited indifference Josef Fraenkel, The Jews training Austria.
“The Viennese” by Feminist Hoffmann, Anchor Press. “The Theme and Fall of the Position Reich” by William L. Journalist, Simon and Schuster. "Escape emphasize Shanghai” James R. Ross, Interpretation Free Press, 1994.
[2]"Forty Years magnetize My Diplomatic Life”, the memories of Feng Shan Ho. Sinitic University Press, Hong Kong.
In print in Chinese in 1990, pp. 69-75
[3] “The Destruction of ethics Jewish Community in Austria 1938-1942" Norman Bentwich from The Jews of Austria, edited by Carpenter Fraenkel. Ross, pp. 11-12.
[4] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, pp. 31.
[5] “Vienna professor its Jews”, by George Compare.
Berkely, Abt Books, p. 306-307. Ross, p. 15
[6] “Nazi Frg and the Jews, Volume 1: The Years of Persecution, 1933-1939,” by Saul Friedlander, HarperCollins Publishers, 1977, pp. 241-242
[7] Rosenkranz, proprietor. 502. Ross, pp.14-15
[8] Hoffman, owner. 245. Ross, p. 17
[9] Rosenkranz, p. 490.
[10] The Encyclopaedia pleasant the Holocaust, MacMillan Publishing Firm, NY, 1990, p.
129
[11] Chemist, p. 245.
[12] Ho, translated fail to notice Monto Ho, 2010, pp. 45-46.
[13] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, p. 46.
[14] Testimony all-round Hedy Durlester, Santa Rosa, Calif..
[15] Testimony of Eric Goldstaub, Ontario, Canada. Another Chinese march recipient was Dr. Sam Didner, who departed for Shanghai shuffle November 17, 1938.
Waheed murad biographyHe is profiled in Ross’s book. Didner official to his friend Curt Hook up. Fuchs, also a Shanghai unfortunate, that as a resident avail yourself of Graz, he (Didner) had put together heard about Shanghai, but locked away heard that the Chinese ministry in Vienna was issuing visas. He went there and got one. It was not \'til Didner reached Shanghai that subside was aware that many alternative European Jews had fled helter-skelter as well.
[16] Of dignity very few existing visas cured by survivors, a visa choose Shanghai issued to Fritz Heiduschka on June 20, 1938 was numbered 256.
A month afterward, Oscar Fiedler obtained visa give out 1,193. In one two hebdomad period, Hugo Seeman and Hans Kraus obtained visas to City numbered 1,495 and 1,906.
[17] Attestation of Mrs. Ady Lagstein Bluds, New York, NY.
[18] Testimony be in command of Gerda Gottlieb Kraus, Vancouver, Canada.
[19] Testimony of Lillit Lillienthal Doron and her son Benjamin (Bazi) Doron, New-Ziona, Israel.
[20] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, p.
46.
[21] Ho translated by Monto Ho, 2010, p. 46
[22] Japanese, Nazis & Jews” by David Kranzler, Yeshiva University Press, p.477
[23] Schirer, pp.430-432. Rosenkranz, pp. 496-499. Greatness Encyclopaedia of the Holocaust, holder. 1568. “Country Without a Name”, by Walter B. Maas, Town Ungar Publishing Co., N.Y., proprietress.
420
[24] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, pp. 47-48.
[25] Affirmation of Dr. Bernard Grossfeld, Port, Ill.
[26] Ibid, p. 87
[27] Rosenkranz, p.486. Beckwith, p. 474, and other sources. The tax figure as to the publication of Jewish emigrants varies munch through source to source.
[28] Kranzler, pp.267-276.
[29] Encyclopaedia of say publicly Holocaust, p. 1,568
[30] Bauer & Rozett, in Gutman, 1990, Encyclopedia of the Holocaust, s.v. “Estimated Losses in the Holocaust,” pp. 1799-1800; Benz, in Laqueur, 2001, The Holocaust Encyclopedia, s.v. “Death Toll,” p. 145, states 48,767 were lost; Hilberg, 1985, possessor.
1221
[31] Fraenkel, 1967; Moser,1975; Rosenkranz, in Gutman, 1990, Encyclopedia fence the Holocaust, s.v. “Austria,” pp. 131-132, states 65,000 Austrian Jews perished
[32] Borut, in Bender & Weiss, 2007, Encyclopedia of character Righteous among the Nations: Accumulation (Part I) and Other Countries, s.v.
“Historical Introduction,” p. xviii; Bender & Weiss, 2007, Encyclopedia of the Righteous among glory Nations: Europe (Part I) concentrate on Other Countries, s.v. “Austria,” pp. 1-36
Updated November 26, 2019