LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
fin view ot the paper shortage it reduce the number ot letters, but is essential that letters on these pages should be briet. We are anxious not to unless they are shorter they must be fewer. Writers are urged to study the art of compression.—Ed., "The Spectator "l
INTERNMENT CAMP LIFE
SIR,—In view of the widespread concern which has found expression in Parliament and the Press regarding the handling of the refugee
aliens problem, it is felt that the following impressions of some aspects of life in an internment camp, recorded by an internee recently released, may not be without interest. For most of the refugee aliens the sudden internment was a shock with inevitable psychological reactions, for the amelioration of which it was essential that the workings of the camp should be conducted as smoothly as possible. On the first day at the camp it was obvious that some kind of organisation among the internees was required if this was to be achieved. In a camp of two thousand people it was to be expected that from time to time circumstances would arise in which consultation with the camp authorities would be necessary. For this purpose each of the thirty-four houses chose a housefather. The housefathers in turn elected a committee of seven, whose business it was to organise the camp life, and to negotiate with the authorities when required. The committee chose a chairman, called camp speaker. Members of committee were in charge of the various departments of organisation required for billeting, canteen, post, education and camp university, welfare, musical life, emigration to U.S.A. and elsewhere, medical and dental treatment, &c.
The committee of seven informed the housefathers of all important matters, and they in turn led discussions among the internees at house meeting, which usually took place after tea in the dining-rooms. Discussion was free and unrestricted. The housefathers conveyed the decisions made at these meetings to the committee, who were continually aware of feeling in the camp. This closely interlocked system proved its efficacy particularly in times of tension, which might be expected to arise, e.g., when there was uncertainty regarding deportation, and at the actual times when selections were being made for transportation. Perhaps the gravest source of unrest lay in the long delays in correspondence. Deprived of all contact with the outside world via radio and newspapers, waiting for letters induced strain which at times became unendurable. Lesser sources of con- cern, nevertheless keenly felt, were the inevitable boredom experienced consequent on having nothing to do, the confiscation of musical instruments, which were later returned, the lack of facilities for medical and dental treatment? &c. This last was to some extent mitigated when it became possible to purchase medical and dental supplies, including the necessary instruments. Funds for this were forthcoming from a welfare scheme which was inaugurated. Internees with means pooled their resources for the benefit of all, including the many who were entirely without resources. Funds were raised also by the profit from the canteen, the goods for which were purchased at wholesale prices, and by a voluntary tax on parcels received from outside sources.
But when all this, has been said, it remains that the chief concerns were to maintain contact with the world outside the camp, to inform the public of the desire of the refugees to do everything in their power to assist Great Britain in her struggle against Nazism, and to get into touch with the various authorities, churches, refugee organisa- tions, &c. Some measure of success was achieved in these aims, and it was ultimately possible to discuss matters with visitors, such as the Bishop of Chichester, representatives of Bloomsbury House, and the Society of Friends. For this it was not possible to be too grateful. Nevertheless, much remains to be done. The purpose of this brief sketch will have been achieved if it serves to maintain the interest which has been shown, and which has proved a source of comfort and strength to so many in a time of sore trial.—Yours faithfully,
3 Great Stuart Street, Edinburgh. H. SCHNEIDER.
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