Author: Koenig, Mario ; & Zeugin, Bettina ; editors : [ Unabhängigen Expertenkommission Schweiz--Zweiter Weltkrieg ]
Title: Die Schweiz, der Nationalsozialismus und der Zweite Weltkrieg : Schlussbericht Unabhängigen Expertenkommission
Description: Zürich, Pendo, (2002). orig. cloth, dustwrapper. 22x15cm, 619 pages. Rubberstamp to title. With 14 related newspaper clippings and photocopies loosely inserted.. ISBN: 3858426016. Some pencilled notes and marginal marks. Good. ¶ Abstract: Summarizes the results of five years of research by the Expertenkommission. Ch. 3 (pp. 107-180), "Flüchtlinge und Flü chtlingspolitik", chronicles the changes in Swiss refugee policy, which grew steadily more restrictive. From August 1942, a decree drawn up by the police and approved by the Bundesrat ordered all Jews (with certain exceptions) attempting to cross the border to be sent back. Jews who managed to reach the interior were permitted to stay (in internment camps) because of protests by the Jewish communities and the general population. This policy was liberalized only toward the end of 1944. Discusses the reasons for the policy: xenophobia, antisemitism, fear of competition for scarce jobs, wartime scarcities, and security risks; the responsibility of various governmental and communal bodies; opposition to the policy and aid to refugees; and conditions in the internment camps. Asserts that although all countries restricted immigration, only Switzerland (and Sweden until 1942) did so along racial lines. Pp. 353-359 survey the participation of Swiss enterprises in Aryanization in Germany. Throughout the book there are also scattered references to Swiss handling of Jewish property confiscated by the Nazis.

Keywords: 3858426016 Switzerland, Swiss Politics, Political History, National Socialism, World War Two, Refugee Policy, Refugees, ,