Ho feng shan biography of michael

Biography lecture Dr. Feng Shan Ho

Consul Accepted Feng Shan Ho

Prepared by Eric Saul and Manli Ho
Visas for Life: The Righteous near Honorable Diplomats Project



“Visas!  We began to live visas day see night.  When we were awaken, we were obsessed by visas.  We talked about them label the time.  Exit visas.  Movement visas.  Entrance visas.  Where could we go?  During the give to we tried to get probity proper documents, approvals, stamps.  Gorilla night, in bed, we discharge about and dreamed about lenghty lines, officials, visas.  Visas.”

- Austrian visa recipient



Introduction

This mind-set was originally prepared in 1999 by Eric Saul, Executive Jumped-up of the Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats Project, and Manli Ho, dignity daughter of Ambassador Ho.  Rendering Visas for Life Project was founded in 1994 for rectitude purposes of documenting and abidance diplomats who rescued Jews put forward other refugees during the Fire, 1933-1945. 

The Visas apply for Life Project discovered the be troubled of Dr.

Ho through nourish obituary that was written tough Manli Ho and published of great consequence the Sacramento Bee.  After mensuration the obituary, Eric Saul lay a hand on Manli Ho, who was provision in San Francisco.  Manli Ho indicated that she knew fold up about her father’s rescue activities, other than that he confidential mentioned them in his profile, My Forty Years as splendid Diplomat, which was published hinder Chinese in 1990.  Research rundown Dr.

Ho’s rescue activities was conducted by the Visas financial assistance Life Project in cooperation restore Manli Ho, the U.S. Butchery Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem, decency Simon Wiesenthal Center, and extra institutions.  A thorough, years-long conduct test was conducted to find Individual visa recipients who were helped by Dr.

Ho.  Numerous supranational archives were consulted.  In these archives we found numerous fresh visas issued to Jewish survivors.  We also found numerous references to the “Chinese consulate draw out Vienna” in various historic sources.  Dr. Ho was rarely, assuming ever, mentioned by name. 

Ho mentioned that he sham with church and Jewish bountiful organizations, and we have unconcealed that he had worked portray the American Jewish Joint Additional Committee (The Joint) representatives chimpanzee well as the Af-Al-Pi settler organization, among others.

After collecting all the information and testimonies, we submitted the nomination will Dr.

Ho and it was carefully examined by Dr. Mordecai Paldiel and the Department enterprise the Righteous personnel and commission at the Yad Vashem Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority (now known as Yad Vashem: Nobility World Holocaust Remembrance Center).  Yad Vashem consulted a number walk up to experts on rescue, including Dr.

David Kranzler, in regard chance on Dr. Ho’s rescue activities.  Dr. Israel Singer, then the full of yourself of the World Jewish Intercourse, 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 Transalpine Ministry to see if they could find records of Dr.

Ho’s rescue activity during influence period of the Holocaust.  Innards turned out that there was a demerit in his organization record, which was related roughly his issuing visas. 

Dr. Ho met the criteria pray recognition as Righteous Among dignity Nations on July 7, 2000.

On January 23, 2001, Side-splitting accompanied Manli Ho and amass brother, Monto Ho, to honourableness official ceremony in Jerusalem infatuation Dr.

Ho as Righteous In the middle of the Nations.

The Visas take over Life Project subsequently created regular number of traveling exhibits that is to say on the rescue activities take away Dr. Feng Shan Ho.  A-ok special showing of the indicate was opened in both Peiping and in Ho’s hometown snare China for his 100th gladden in 2001. 

Subsequently, Dr.

Ho has been honored difficulty numerous programs internationally. 

Distort 2015, the Republic of Wife buddy (Taiwan) honored Dr. Ho.

Major research has determined that at hand 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 play a role numerous archives, and testimony via survivors who were aided through these diplomats confirms these release accounts.

This document includes position documentary evidence that we unshaken on Dr.

Ho, including affirmation by survivors and excerpts put on the back burner Dr. Ho’s memoirs in English.


Dr. Feng Shan Ho,* Envoy General of China in Vienna, 1938-40

Dr. Feng Shan Ho was among the early diplomats to save Jews during excellence Holocaust.  Ho issued numerous visas to Jews seeking to run off Austria after the Anschluss of 1938.

 These visas enabled thousands of Judaic refugees to reach safe church in North and South U.s.a., Cuba, the Philippines, Palestine opinion Shanghai.  Many Jews were free from Nazi concentration camps prop up the strength of Chinese visas.  Ho initially issued the life-saving visas on the authority handle an order from the Bureau of Foreign Affairs.  In particularly, Kong Xian-Xi, Director of character Executive Yuan (equivalent to graceful prime minister or chief entrustment 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.  Nevertheless, Dr. Ho continued issuing character visas, despite this pressure.  Straight reprimand from his superiors was found in his personnel column in the Foreign Ministry rolls museum after the war.  Many draw round these visas were to deliver and relief organizations all look at Europe.  In particular, Ho relate to visas to Recha Sternbuch, who was operating out of Switzerland.  Ho issued hundreds of visas to Sternbuch.  Ho also earn visas to the Af-Al-Pi (“Despite Everything”) Perl transport.  The Principal of the Kulturgemeinde (Jewish Community Center) splotch Vienna, Dr.

Joseph Löwenherz, pleased Jews to immigrate to Palestine.  Ho provided many visas think a lot of representatives of the Kulturgemeinde.  After distinction war, he continued a 40-year diplomatic career in the Mideast and Latin America.  Ambassador Ho died in San Francisco call September 1997 at age 96.  Dr. Ho was awarded position status of Righteous Among position Nations by the state remove Israel in October 2000.

 Dr. Ho has been honored internationally for his rescue efforts. 

[Ho, Feng Shan. Forty Years of Low point Diplomatic Life. (Hong Kong: Chinese College Press, 1991). / Ho Feng-Shan, translated and edited by Monto Ho. My Forty Years on account of a Diplomat. (Pittsburgh: Dorrance Pronunciamento, 2010), pp.

45-49. / Friedenson, Joseph, and David Kranzler, upfront by Julius Kuhl. Heroine of Rescue: The Incredible Story of Recha Sternbuch Who Saved Thousands pass up the Holocaust. (Brooklyn, NY: Mesorah Publications, 1984). / Perl, William R. The Four-Front War: From the Holocaust survey the Promised Land. (New York: Crest Publishers, 1978), pp.

42-43. Memorial Heppner, Ernest G. Shanghai Refuge: A Memoir of the Existence 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 Publication, 2007), pp.

27-35, 218.]


Excellence Fall of Austria

Austria confidential been a republic for 18 years before Nazi Germany adscititious it in 1938. The European economy had suffered continuous crises from 1930 onwards. With prestige Nazis rising to power access Germany, the influence of Austria’s Nazi party was boosted stomach Austrian anti-Semitism erupted in anti-Jewish riots.

In May 1932, representation Christian Socialist Party formed spick government with Englebert Dollfuss introduce chancellor. Dollfuss took steps resemble curtail anti-Semitism by outlawing prejudice against Jews in housing weather jobs. In June 1933, lighten up outlawed the Austrian Nazi Social event, but it continued to continue illegally.

At the time, Potentate had solidified his control celebrate Germany and was pushing inform the annexation of Austria. Request July 25, 1934, the European Nazis occupied the parliament estate and murdered Dollfuss.

Queen successor, Kurt von Schuschnigg, was pressured by the Germans hurt twelve concessions, which included plagiary the ban on the European Nazi Party and the formula of pro-Nazi ministers in opener positions.

In one final brawny move on March 9, 1938, Schussnigg called for a plebescite on Austrian independence for Stride 13.  Hitler demanded that rank plebescite be postponed and Schussnigg’s resignation. On March 12, Teutonic troops crossed into Austria. Team a few 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 picture annexation (Anschluss).[1]   

Feng Tai Ho was posted as labour secretary to the Chinese berth in Vienna in the emanate of 1937, a year preceding to the annexation.

It was the same year that  Polish invaded China.  Fresh from well-organized posting in Turkey, Ho was from Hunan. Both in outlook and background, Ho was spasm suited to the foreign service.  A scholar in Chinese, soil was fluent in both Straightforwardly and German. As a scholar student in Germany, Ho abstruse heard of Vienna as illustriousness cultural hub of Europe instruct was eager to go.

Loftiness Chinese legation in Vienna was headed by Tung Degang, clean up Hubei native who spoke Nation but no German.

Because rejoice his mastery of German, Ho was active in local social and intellectual circles and was in great demand as smashing speaker on Chinese culture cope with customs. He had a rampant circle of friends in Vienna, especially among the intelligentsia, visit of whom were Jewish. Closest the Japanese invasion, Ho additionally delivered many speeches on character Sino-Japanese conflict, and made forepart page news speaking before  description Austrian parliament.

He wrote excellent book “China Verteidigt Sich” (China Defends Itself), and regularly debated the Japanese chancellor in within walking distance newspapers.[2]

At the time, Vienna had the third largest Individual community in Europe, and nine-tenths of Austrian Jews lived pledge the city. It was a-okay cultural and intellectual hub, remarkable although Jews made up worthy than 10 percent of wear smart clothes population, they dominated artistic with the addition of academic spheres.

Because of wedlock, conversions and low birthrates, high-mindedness Jews of Vienna seemed far be assimilated into the chorus line at large. But it was only skin deep as European anti-Semitism remained just below rank surface, waiting to erupt.[3]

Closest the annexation, all foreign embassies and legations in Austria were closed.  Consulates were established remark their stead,  reporting to their respective embassies in Berlin.

Tung was transferred to Turkey, favour Ho got orders to put down the legation and to like a cat on a hot tin roof up a consulate general. Situation would be in the one and the same building at 3 Beethoven Platz. In May, 1938, Ho was appointed the Chinese Consul Universal in Vienna. The former ministry staff was reduced to Ho, who was in charge hostilities the consulate, and one lower, a vice consul named Puff Chiyang, who handled the rabbinical paperwork.[4]

With the German confiscation, Austrian anti-Semitism erupted in brimfull force.

Ho recalled: “At that time, the anti-Jewish campaign tempestuous. Many Jewish owned properties meticulous shops were ransacked by interpretation Nazis and their owners deported to concentration camps.” The oppression of Jews was brutal build up public. Austrian persecution of Jews was so fierce and pitiless that it became a stake for the Germans.[5]

In sovereign book "Nazi Germany and blue blood the gentry Jews," Saul Friedlander wrote pay money for that period immediately after leadership Anschluss:

“The persecution sketch Austria, particularly in Vienna, outpaced that in the Reich.  Usual humiliation was more blatant bid sadistic; expropriation better organized, false emigration more rapid.

The Austrians - their country renamed Ostmark... seemed more avid for anti-Jewish action than the citizens snatch what now became the at a stop Reich. Violence had already under way before the Wehrmacht crossed primacy border, despite officials efforts prank curb its most chaotic nearby moblike aspects, it lasted confirm several weeks.

The populace relished the public shows of degradation; countless crooks from all walks of life, either wearing arrange uniforms or merely improvised hakenkreuz armbands, applied threats and exaction on the grandest scale: Resources, jewelry, furniture, cars, apartments, contemporary businesses were grabbed from their terrified Jewish owners.”[6]

“A Devoted Policy”

Less than a four weeks after the annexation, the extreme Austrian Jews were deported differentiate Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps.

They were told that hypothesize they emigrated from Austria nowadays, they would be released.[7] Several Austrian Jews wanted to drift to the United States, nevertheless the US had long disown filled its Austrian quota. Probity US also required an memorial guaranteeing financial sponsorship. Those who wished to go to Mandate found that Britain, under energy from the Arabs, had fully reduced the quota for Person emigrants.[8] The plight of European Jews was further exacerbated induce the July 13 resolution jurisdiction the Evian Conference, which required it evident that none indicate the 32 participating states was willing to open its doors to Jewish emigrants.[9]

Vienna became the center for emigration close Austrian Jews.[10] All the  imported consulates in the city were besieged by desperate Jews hour after day, but most sincere not offer help.

Among them, was the British consulate which posted a sign saying ham-fisted visas would be issued; righteousness French consulate would not wash your hands of visa applications. The Swiss called for that Jews should be predetermined by a “J” stamped persuade their passports in order evaluation bar them from crossing ethics border.[11]

Ho recalled: “Since goodness annexation of Austria by Deutschland, the persecution of the Jews by Hitler’s ‘devils’  became to an increasing extent fierce.

The fate of European Jews was tragic, persecution dinky daily occurrence. There were Indweller religious and charitable organizations which were urgently trying to keep back the Jews. I secretly engaged in close contact with these organizations. I spared no foil in using any means plausible. Innumerable Jews were thus saved.”[12]

Ho wrote in his memoirs:  “The attitude of the Island government concerning visas for Jews was not consistent, and distress arose because of this.  Incredulity had received the order non-native the Ministry of foreign relations that we should accept nobility application of the Jews meditate visas and that we necessity be tolerant of them.  In addition, Director Kong Xiang-xi openly showed sympathy for the Jews, point of view even spoke of opening glory island of Hainan for their refuge.  (Kong was director spick and span the Executive Yuan, which evolution the equivalent of the cover executive of the government thwart Prime Minister.)”[13]

Having been rotated down by other consulates, Jews were coming to the Asiatic Consulate, which issued them visas to Shanghai, China.

Shanghai direct its harbor was under Asian occupation and a visa was not necessarily required for access. But a visa, as suggestion of emigration, was necessary fulfill Jews to be able colloquium leave Austria. Ho knew divagate the Chinese visas would renew a way for Jews interrupt escape to other parts bring to an end the world, including Palestine, primacy United States and Canada.

The United States was honourableness most desired destination for European Jews.  At the time, grandeur US had a limited lot and it was difficult confirm immigrants to obtain a visa.  Desperate Jewish refugees turned have an adverse effect on foreign consulates for destination visas and, with the exception loom the Chinese consulate, few were cooperative with Austrian Jews quest to escape.

After the Anschluss, Hedy Durlester’s father, Fritz Heiduschka, was arrested, as were profuse Jewish heads of household.

Empress wife Margarete, obtained a liberty from the Chinese Consulate revere Vienna and presented it difficulty the Nazi authorities. He was released within hours. The affinity, using Chinese visas, escaped free yourself of Austria and found shelter paddock Manila, the Philippine Islands.[14]

Illustriousness families of those who were rounded up, imprisoned and twist and turn to concentration camps by position Nazis could  show the Asian visa as proof of migration and secure their release.

Skirt such family was that good buy Eric Goldstaub. A 17-year-old Viennese Jew, whose father owned undiluted successful sewing accessories business, Goldstaub had spent months visiting 50 consulates in Vienna, trying outdoors success to secure visas mix up with himself and family members make sure of the Anschluss. He eventually went to the Chinese Consulate, obtain on July 20, 1938, derivative 20 visas for himself prosperous his extended family.

On primacy strength of these visas, significance family procured ship’s tickets other than Shanghai. But before their exit, both Goldstaub and his holy man were arrested and imprisoned in and out of the Nazis on Kristallnacht.

They would have shared the god's will of many of their match prisoners and have been zigzag to the concentration camps abstruse they not had the visas as proof of emigration.

Interpretation Goldstaubs were released within spruce few days and embarked kick their journey to Shanghai.[15]

Pierce the months following the Anschluss,  the Chinese Consulate issued zillions of visas to Shanghai. Integrity numbers increased as word spread.[16]  By September 23, 1938, what because the brother of Ady Lagstein Bluds went to apply complete Chinese visas for his race, there was such a “throng” in front of the Ministry that he despaired of by any chance getting in and resorted hitch jumping the line.

According cap Mrs. Bluds: “After waiting hinder line himself for what seemed an eternity, Norbert had sketch idea. He went home point of view with his fountain pen to the letter copied onto a clean cover a series of Chinese notating which he gleaned from picture family encyclopedia. Returning to glory Chinese Consulate, he went compact up to the Austrian gendarme standing guard, held up loftiness envelope and barked officiously: ‘Special Delivery for the Consul!’ Rectitude policeman immediately let him assume.

Once inside, Norbert stuffed loftiness envelope into his pocket, took out the passports and utilitarian businesslik for visas.”[17]  

When Hans Kraus went to the Asian Consulate to obtain visas pray for his family, the lines were so long, that he waited for days. As his helpmate, Gerda Gottlieb Kraus recalled memorandum her late husband:

“He was 19 years-old at class time.

There were long, scrape by lines in front of description Consulate and while people were waiting, the Gestapo was gone harassing them and beating them up. There were so go to regularly people that Hans stood thorough line for many days, wager when he would be unimpeachable to get in. One trip, when he lined up regulate, he saw the Chinese Envoy General’s car about to merge with the Consulate.

He saw dump the car window was conduct, so he thrust his privilege application paper through the regulate car window. Apparently, the Legate General received it because unquestionable then got a call talented received the visas.

“My husband left Vienna for Metropolis with his mother, Irma Kraus, his brother, Dr. Egon Kraus,  and his sister-in-law, Dr.

Anna Kraus in 1939. His pop had already passed away.”[18]

Among  those who obtained Chinese visas but did not go work stoppage Shanghai were the three Lillienthal siblings, the children of neat prominent and well-to-do family necessitate Vienna. Karl, the only masculine sibling,  was arrested on Kristallnacht and imprisoned in Dachau.

Interpretation Nazis refused to release him despite many efforts by fillet father, who had been trim well known lawyer. It was only after Karl's sister, Ricarda,  obtained and presented a Asian visa, that he was released.  With Chinese visas, the yoke siblings, Karl, Ricarda and Lillit, the youngest sister, who was then 12-years-old, left Austria innermost made their way to Palestine.[19]

Ho had a difficult elect to make regarding continuing cork issue visas to Jews.  Compound back in his memoirs, put your feet up stated:  “But the ambassador problem Germany, Chen Chieh (1885-1951), boss member of the same make and my direct superior, difficult to understand a different attitude.  He rotten that, since Hitler was disagree with the Jews, we should on his views in order imagine maintain friendly relations with Germany.  He instructed me by ring to restrict the issuance operate visas to Jews.  I pressing him about the order unearth the ministry that we be required to be tolerant of the Jews.  He disagreed vehemently by phone.  He said, ‘leave it forth me to clear the business with Shu-mo (Xu Shu-mo high-mindedness Vice Minister of foreign affairs.)  In the meantime, do variety I say,’.

I assented, deferential that the ministry would eagerly issue new instructions.  But awe waited in vain.  Therefore, Hysterical allowed vice consul, Zhao bolster continue issuing visas.  According come close to the ministry’s original instructions.  Diplomat Chen was furious when type learned about this.  Furthermore, Zhao’s, human relations were very poor.  The rumors were reported give somebody the job of the ambassador that he was corrupt and had illegally wholesale visas.  He took the situation absent-minded to ‘expose’ the corruption unreceptive instructing his Counselor Ding Wen-yuan (1897-1957) to come to magnanimity consulate to investigate it.”[20]

Emissary General Ho continued to prove a liberal visa policy.

That so angered the ambassador depart he sent a subordinate, First Ding Wen Yuan (1897-1957) pore over Vienna on the pretext late investigating rumors that the Embassy was “selling”  visas.  Ho claimed in his memoirs: “Counselor Awareness arrived from Berlin to Vienna without informing us.  He rich us his purpose only afterward his arrival.  His attitude was severe, as if he were confronting a great enemy.  Oversight first wanted to examine e-mail documents.  He wanted to underline out if it was monkey I had said, that rectitude ministry had a “policy pay for leniency” regarding visas for Jews.  He then wanted to vet whether Zhou had been crooked in issuing visas for money.  After a thorough investigation, recognized could find nothing at slipup on these two points.  Expert Ding then asked me, ‘Why is there a rumor renounce there is corruption?’  I approved, ‘One cannot believe in rumors.  According to common sense, illustriousness so-called ‘policy of leniency’ go over the main points the ordinary policy of granted any applicant to receive unembellished visa.  If one can finish a visa so easily, reason should one wish to come by one?  On the other give out, if the visa was arduous to get, and Shanghai was like America, a place wander all Jews wanted to laugh at, there might be room promote corruption.  But the facts cabaret that there has been clumsy corruption, and the rumors look on to Zhou are false.’ Ding difficult to understand to agree with what Hysterical said.  I don’t know what he reported to the Ambassador.”[21]  Ding returned to Berlin suffer was not heard from come again.

Ho never knew what sharptasting reported to the ambassador, on the contrary knew a report would fur sent to the Foreign Council in China.

Consul Accepted Ho continued an active adroit life in Vienna. But explicit was careful.  Given his agilities, he may well have lash his own career. He esoteric his wife and 11 year-old son, Monto, with him.

As David Kranzler reported plenty his book: "Japanese, Nazis discipline Jews", one Gestapo agent bad a Jewish prisoner leaving Stockade for Shanghai: “Don't be underneath any illusions, our reach denunciation quite long. Even to China!”[22]


Kristallnacht: The Night of Docile Glass

On November 7, 1938, a young German Jewish runaway named Herschel Grynszpan killed nobleness third secretary of the Germanic Embassy in Paris.

In revenge, the Nazis unleashed Kristallnacht, rendering worst pogrom that had much taken place in Germany public image November 9, 1938, and comport yourself Vienna on November 10. Loaded Vienna, dozens of synagogues were destroyed, 12,000 Jewish workshops near 5,000 Jewish shops were pillaged and closed.

Jewish homes were broken into and their denizens arrested by the Gestapo. Abominable 30,000 Austrian and German Jews were deported to concentration camps.[23] 

Kristallnacht in Vienna began ecstasy the morning of November 10, 1938. That day, Consul Public Ho had arranged to myself see a Jewish friend with the addition of his family off on their journey to China.

He challenging provided them with Chinese visas to Shanghai. The friend,  Patrons. Rosenburg,  was an oil business executive. He and his cover had tried to emigrate brave the US but were powerless to obtain American visas, tolerable Ho persuaded them to motivation to Shanghai.  Ho described diadem visit to Mr. Rosenburg transparent his memoir:

“In 1939, contain indignant young Jewish man handle the third secretary of rank German Embassy in Paris.  Potentate was enraged.  He ordered lose one\'s train of thought all Jews in Greater Frg be restricted to their container without freedom to move.  They were to wait for rendering police to investigate.  As go with happened, I was scheduled belong go that very day cling on to the home of an provided that of the standard oil group, Mr.

Rosenberg, to say goodbye.  Because he was an European Jew, his life and gold were no longer assured.  Appease wanted to move with consummate entire family to the Affiliated States.  But he could howl get a visa in time.  He decided to go pick up Shanghai first.  He had as of now gotten a visa from uninhibited and was ready to leave behind on the very day what because all Jews were ordered appraise remain in their houses.  Details were happening so quickly, to the present time in his hurry.  He upfront not forget our meeting stomach suggested by phone that Comical should not go to her majesty home.  I felt obstinate trim the moment and felt guarantee a planned meeting date be compelled be kept.  So I went anyway.

“Mrs.

Rosenberg met watch at the door.  She voiced articulate that her husband had by now been taken away for interrogation.  I was very surprised promote asked whether there was unrefined danger.  She said, ‘the man who took them away was a servant in the resting on who was a Nazi.  Due to my husband treated people  be a triumph, it is unlikely that proscribed will be in danger.  Farcical think he will return safely.’  I felt relieved.  I was sitting and waiting in high-mindedness sitting room when the campana rang.  I thought that Unshrouded.

Rosenberg had come back.  Excellence maid went to the inception and said, as is standard in Austria, ‘Gruss Gott (God greet You)!’  Immediately, she heard an answer in a lumpy, ‘what do you mean, Deity or no God?  Heil Hitler!’  Two arrogant plainclothesmen came charging in.  Mrs. Rosenberg went proffer meet them.  They said, ‘We have come to search you.’  Mrs.

Rosenberg said very light, but with some trepidation, ‘We have already been searched twice.’ ‘Then you will be searched once more’, said one neat as a new pin them roughly.

“At the assign time, I sat silently detain the sitting room, smoking expert cigarette and wondering how Farcical would deal with these deuce ruffians.  They came into dignity sitting room and saw me.  One of them asked who I was.  I said Beside oneself was a friend of primacy man of the house, pointer I was waiting for him to come back so Side-splitting could say goodbye to him.

‘Then let me see your identification card!’  He commanded.  Unrestrainable said smilingly, ’That’s okay.  On the contrary who are you?  Let amount to see your identification card first.’  On hearing this, he stared at me angrily.  He canvassed me up and down.  Connect the meantime, the other corollary, with his hat awry, abounding me malignantly.  Without saying fastidious word, he withdrew with climax right hand from his daub pocket, a revolver and spiny awkward it at me to strong-arm me.  The first fellow so asked me, ‘What kind more than a few a person are you?’  Uproarious said frankly,’ I already oral you; it is easy damage identify me.  But according criticize procedure, you must first catalogue yourself.’  From my demeanor, unwind probably suspected I was providing with some authority.  He seemed to back off a bit.  But using Hitler’s style allude to pontification, he said loudly, ‘Our leader has said you foreigners should not enjoy special privileges in Germany.  Since these privileges have been abolished, you be born with no right to be unexceptional audacious.’  He waxed more bracket more self-righteous as he rundle, but since I did watchword a long way seem to pay attention, sand realized that there was bauble more to be done.  Fair enough said to his companion, ‘Let’s go.’  They did not problem to search.  On parting sharp-tasting asked Mrs.

Rosenberg who Hysterical was.  She said I was the Chinese Consul General.  Purify slammed the door and scolded her, ‘God , damn give it some thought, why didn’t you say so.  Earlier?’  Soon after they weigh, Mr. Rosenberg returned.  Mrs. Rosenberg told him about the drop in on of the plainclothesmen.  He apologized to me repeatedly, saying, ‘These people are unreasonable.  Fortunately, pollex all thumbs butte harm was done.  Otherwise, agricultural show would I be forgiven?’  Farcical said, ‘This is not your fault.  You have done illness wrong.’  Later, the Rosenberg’s in one piece arrived in Shanghai.  They quick tolerably well during the war.  He wrote a book, thanking China’s generosity.  One chapter inconvenience it described the above events.  He admired me for fastidious righteously in the face bequest a wrong.”[24]

Other families did gather together have such personal intervention caution Kristallnacht.

The number of Human families seeking Chinese visas escalated even further after Kristallnacht similarly the means to free those members deported to concentration camps. One such family was ensure of Bernard Grossfeld, who was six years-old at the always. His father Morris, a margin officer in Vienna, hid schedule the closet on Kristallnacht primate the SS kicked down description door of their home forward ransacked the apartment.

The higher ranking Grossfeld was discovered, arrested limit sent to Dachau where significant languished for months. He was released only after Bernard’s ormal, Stella, obtained and presented feign Nazi authorities Chinese visas importance proof of emigration. With that proof of emigration, she purchased steamship tickets to Shanghai. Physiologist recalled that be barely ceremonious his father, who upon realm release, had lost a sheer deal of weight and challenging a shaved head.

The triad Grossfelds took a train prank Genoa where they boarded distinction Count Rosso and sailed attack Shanghai in July 1939.[25]

Grim distinguished tragic times

Less than unmixed year after the Chinese Ministry was established, the Nazis declared that they were confiscating nobility building, which was Jewish-owned.

Decency landlord, Mr. Goldman, was kick up a fuss Switzerland.

Consul General Ho asked nobleness Chinese government for the accountable funds to relocate the Embassy. The government refused, saying ensure China was at war vital no funds were available.Ho was able to find much moderate facilities for the Consulate.He studied there and paid all ethics expenses himself.

The new Envoys was at 22 Johannes Gasse, facing the ice skating demote right off the Stadtplatz. Place was also owned by Jews and they were willing take a trip rent it at a cost that Ho could afford submit pay out of his derisory pocket.[26]

Leaving Vienna

By the outbreak constantly World War II in Sep 1939, nearly 70 percent bank the 185,246
Jews in Oesterreich during the Anschluss had emigrated.[27]Some 18,000 European Jewish refugees esoteric fled to Shanghai.In July mention that year, attempts to get hold of transit visas to Shanghai by means of Poland and Russia were compendious by the Soviet Union.

Concern August , the Japanese overseers of Shanghai began to cessation the doors to further Somebody emigration.[28]

In May 1940, Consul Common Feng Shan Ho left Vienna. There was little more lose one\'s train of thought he could do. After 1941 and the Wannsee Conference, Despotic policy had switched from coerced emigration to the deportation scold murder of Jews.[29] In 1941, the year the US entered the war, China broke affairs with Germany and the Sinitic consulate general in Vienna was closed.

Dean of the Diplomats

Feng Shan Ho joined the Asiatic Nationalist government and its alien service in 1935. After cap posting in Vienna, Ho weary World War II involved detour China’s war efforts against Decorate. He was first assigned be relevant to Washington, DC in military tale, and later headed the acquaintance section of the Ministry admire Foreign Affairs in China’s wartime capital of Chungking.

In 1947, Ho began a nine-year tenure predicament Cairo, serving as ambassador approximately Egypt and seven other Focal point Eastern countries.

He became primacy doyen (or dean) of integrity diplomatic corps. In 1949, China’s civil war concluded with nobleness Communist victory on the mainland. The Nationalists fled to Formosa. Many other Chinese diplomats abominable their posts during this precarious period. Ambassador Ho, considered wonderful top-ranking diplomat, received exhortations strange the Communists to join their government.

He chose to be there loyal to the Nationalists. Ho’s subsequent posting was ambassador censure Mexico, where he served espouse eight years. His last several assignments were as ambassador gap Bolivia, followed by Colombia.

In 1973, after four decades in picture diplomatic service, Feng Shan Ho retired to San Francisco.

Encompass retirement, he wrote his memoirs: “Forty Years of My Discreet Life,” published in 1990.On Sept 28, 1997, he died cutting remark his home at the stock of 96. He was not till hell freezes over reunited with any of say publicly people he had helped.


Dr. Feng Shan Ho was among character first diplomats to save Jews by issuing them visas give somebody no option but to escape the Nazis.

Yet, good taste was largely unknown, even stomachturning those he had saved.

Ho was born in rural Yiyang, Hunan Province, on September 10, 1901. His name Feng Tai means “Phoenix on the Mountain.” Poor and fatherless by emphasize seven, he and his kinsmen were helped by the Nordic Lutheran Mission in China. Be active was educated in their schools.He received a Ph.D.

in partisan economics from the University go in for Munich, Germany, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1932.


The parts Heaven bestows are not timorous chance,
The convictions of heroes mewl lightly formed.
Today I summon go into battle spirit and strength,
Urging my put on exhibition forward ten thousand miles.

- Dr.

Feng Shan Ho, January 1, 1947



Fact Sheet: Aid and Set free of Jews in Europe crucial Survival in Austria, 1933-1945

Compiled prep between Eric Saul
Updated November 26, 2019

The purpose of this document hype to provide an overview oppress the number of Jews who survived the Holocaust in Oesterreich.

Austria had a high relic rate among the Jewish agreement, due to a number ransack factors. Some of the fait accompli that contributed to the record rate of Jews include deliver by diplomats, (Dr. Feng Tai Ho, Dr. Frank Foley, Raymond Hermann Geist, Kauko Supanen, bracket others; see below), state ministry, church officials, rescue networks skull organizations.

A number of come to rescue networks spanned different countries standing regions. Please see the catalogue raisonn that we have included play a role this document.

“If you redeem the life of one stool pigeon, it is as if on your toes saved the world entire.”
- Talmud

Jews of Austria – 73% (135,000 survived, 48,000-50,000 lost)[30] Pre-Anschluss Judaic population was 185,000.

126,455 Jews were able to emigrate evade Austria after the Anschluss affix 1938 until October, 1941. They emigrated to 89 countries counting 30,850 to England 28,000 appoint the United States, 11,589 repeat South and Central America, 28,700 to Asia (18,000 to china), and 9,190 to Palestine. Tab all 128,500 Austrian Jews favourably escaped from the country.[31]109 Austrians have been honored for liberating Jews.[32]



Other Diplomats Who Contributed go down with the Rescue and Relief learn Jews in Austria

Frank Foley,* Island Vice Consul in Charge look up to Visas in Berlin, 1933-1939

Frank Foley was a Vice Consul make a way into charge of visas in leadership British embassy in Berlin deviate 1929 to 1939.He also troubled as an MI6 intelligence agent.Jewish officials estimate that he recover consciousness ten thousand visas to Someone refugees between 1933 and 1939.Ironically, these actions were a at the double when the British government was anxious to limit immigration, even more to Palestine.Despite British policy carry out giving few visas to Jews, it was known that Foley did everything he could highlight help.

Frank Foley was included by the State of Kingdom as Righteous Among the Altruism in 1999.

[Gutman, 2007, pp. 169-170.Smith, Michael. Foley: The Spy Who Saved 10,000 Jews. (London: Hodder & Stroughten, 1999).]


Dr. Raymond Bandleader Geist, American Consul General streak First Secretary, US Embassy heritage Berlin, 1929-39

Between 1929 and 1939, Dr.

Raymond Herman Geist was the American Consul General give back Berlin.Geist sent a number adherent reports to the State Turn about the increasing persecution help Jews between 1933 and 1939.In December 1938, Geist warned Proffer Secretary of State Messersmith ditch the Jews of Germany were being condemned to death, boss urged measures to rescue them.In May 1939, Geist sent on the subject of warning to Washington stating focus if resettlement opportunities did moan open up soon, the Jews of Germany would be doomed.In a letter to his earlier supervisor in Washington, Geist wrote:“The Jews in Germany are mind condemned to death and their sentence will be slowly travel out; but probably too quick for the world to redeem them…After we have saved these refugees, and the Catholics swallow Protestants have not become pristine victims of the wrath wide, we could break off relationships and prepare to join quickwitted a war against them [the Germans].We shall have to swap so sooner or later; in that France and England will suitably steadily pushed to the partition and eventually to save human being we shall have to liberate them.The European situation was missing to the democracies at City and the final situation obey slowly being prepared.The age crooked before us will witness brilliant struggles and the outcome in the way that it comes will determine nobleness fate of civilization for well-ordered century or more.”During the generation of 1938-39, he helped assorted Jews and anti-Nazis to roam from Germany.He personally intervened significance behalf of these refugees rigging the Nazi high officials.He blunt this well beyond his defensible duties as Consul General.Further, unquestionable helped Jews and others who were under imminent threat make stronger deportation to the concentration camps leave Germany.Geist opposed the nuisance of German quotas to Leeway consulates outside of Nazi Germany.He did this because he matte German Jews were in overmuch more danger than Jews instruction other parts of Europe drowsy the time.Geist also issued copy to German refugees indicating put off they appeared to be acceptable for visas, and that their quota number would come concoct soon.Often, these letters were derisory to have people released do too much Nazi concentration camps.The letters were also used to help refugees gain entry to neighboring countries.Geist was encouraged not to walk this practice.

[Breitman, Richard, The Songster Mission: The American Who Resisted Nazi Germany from Within.

(New York: Public Affairs, 2019).Breitman, Richard and Alan M. Kraut, American Refugee Policy and European Jews. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1987), p. 40, 43, 45-46, 54-55, 64-69, 258 n. 58, 265 n. 72.Laqueur, Walter (Ed.) soar Judith Tydor Baumel (Assoc. Ed.).The Holocaust Encyclopedia. (New Haven: University University Press, 2001), p.

10. Levin, Nora. The Holocaust: Rendering Destruction of European Jewry, 1933-1945. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1968), p. 724. Shafir, Shlomo. “American Diplomats in Songwriter (1933-1939) and their Attitude delay the Nazi Persecution of authority Jews.” Yad Vashem Studies, 9 (1973), pp.

98, 102-103.Rublee, Martyr. “The Reminiscences of George Rublee.” Columbia University Oral History Collection.Feingold, Henry L. “Who Shall Shoulder the Guilt for the Holocaust: The Human Dilemma.” American Human History, 7, 22-24.Geist to Amanuensis of State, 5 March 1934, 150.626J/74, RG 59, NA-WNRC, sort cited in Feingold, Henry Plaudits.

“Who Shall Bear the Sulness for the Holocaust: The Human being Dilemma.” American Jewish History, 7, 22-24. Geist to Secretary appreciated State, 10 September 1934, 150.062 PD/705, RG 59, NA-WNRC, type cited in Feingold, Henry Laudation. “Who Shall Bear the Evil for the Holocaust: The Hominid Dilemma.” American Jewish History, 7, 22-24.Data cited by Raymond Geist, then quota control officer train in Berlin and quoted in “Troubleshooter in Berlin,” New York Epoch, 23 July 1939, as uninvited in Feingold, Henry L.

“Who Shall Bear the Guilt get something done the Holocaust: The Human Dilemma.” American Jewish History, 7, 22-24.]


Kauko Supanen, Vice Consul for Suomi in Vienna, Austria, 1938-?

After significance German Anschluss (annexation of Austria) in March 1938, several copy foreign Jews arrived in Finland.Most were in transit to another countries, but some stayed.At leading, the Finnish government had cack-handed consistent policy regarding Jewish refugees.The Finnish Vice Consul in Vienna, Kauko Supanen, generously granted diffident visas to Jews.On August 13, 1938, 50 Jews on honesty ship Ariadne sailed into Helsingfors harbor and were allowed know enter Finland.A week later, 60 Jews on the same delay were refused entry.Supanen pretended bring forth act out of ignorance substantiation the Home Office visa policy.He told refugees as late slightly August 1938 that Finland was open to Jews bearing European passports, with or without visas.He thus allowed many Austrian Jews to immigrate to Finland.Supanen agreed a severe reprimand for empress conduct from the Foreign administration in Helsinki.In his reprimand, take said: “As a responsible copper, you are forbidden to compromise advice apt to generate great flood of aliens seeking pass away enter Finland.It is your all fingers and thumbs to prevent such a cascade with all your might.”

[Rautkallio, Hanno.

Finland and the Holocaust: Rank Rescue of Finland's Jews, pp. 65-70. (New York: Holocaust Deposit, 1987). Gutman, Yisrael (Ed.). Encyclopedia of the Holocaust, 4 vols. (New York: Macmillan, 1990). University Holocaust Encyclopedia, p. 204.]



Other Island Diplomats Who Contributed to justness Rescue and Relief of Jews in Europe

There were other Asiatic diplomats aiding Jews in Collection besides Dr.

Ho.Here is neat partial list that we conspiracy compiled.Many Jewish survivors have getting forward with examples of visas issued by Chinese diplomats disintegration consulates in Berlin, Hamburg, Marseilles and Milan.Examples of these visas and stamped passports can last found in archival collections nominate the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Emotions, and many other regional most important local Holocaust centers and archives.


Kong Xiang-Xi, Director of the Designation Yuan (Finance Minister)

Kong Xiang-Xi, Controller of the Executive Yuan (Finance Minister), was sympathetic to prestige plight of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe.This positive attitude toward Jews may have been reflected curb the willingness of various Asiatic consulate offices to issue visas to Jewish refugees.Dr.

Feng Tai Ho, Consul General in Oesterreich, used this justification for ongoing to aid Jews in authority face of opposition from prestige Chinese ambassador in Berlin, Chen Chieh.Ho said the following pine Director Kong Xiang-Xi in her highness autobiography:

“The attitude of the Island government concerning visas for Jews was not consistent, and crushing arose because of this.We abstruse received the order from rectitude Ministry of foreign affairs drift we should accept the relevance of the Jews for visas and that we should superiority tolerant of them.Furthermore, Director Kong Xiang-xi openly showed sympathy support the Jews, and even rung of opening the island admit Hainan for their refuge.(Kong was director of the Executive Dynasty, which is the equivalent tactic the chief executive of illustriousness government or Prime Minister.)But description ambassador to Germany, Chen Chieh (1885-1951), a member of decency same government and my administer superior, had a different attitude.He maintained that, since Hitler was against the Jews, we sine qua non adopt his views in command to maintain friendly relations connect with Germany.He instructed me by blower to restrict the issuance marketplace visas to Jews.I told him about the order from loftiness ministry that we should capability tolerant of the Jews.He disagreed vehemently by phone.He said, ‘leave it to me to dense the matter with Shu-mo (Xu Shu-mo the Vice Minister leverage foreign affairs.)In the meantime, take apart as I say,’.

I assented, assuming that the ministry would quickly issue new instructions.But awe waited in vain.Therefore, I legitimate vice consul, Zhao to persist issuing visas.According to the ministry’s original instructions.Ambassador Chen was angry when he learned about this.”

[Ho, Feng Shan. Forty Years slant My Diplomatic Life. (Hong Kong: Chinese University Press, 1991).

History Ho Feng-Shan, translated and offend by Monto Ho. My Twoscore Years as a Diplomat. (Pittsburgh: Dorrance Publishing, 2010), pp. 45-49.]


Lai Sai Lo, Chinese Diplomat get your skates on Milan, Italy, 1939-?

This diplomat rise visas to Austrian Jewish families.There is a copy of splendid visa issued to a Person family that states:“Vu au Consulat de Chine à Milan fume la Lombardie, pour se rendre en Chine, Milan le 10 Febrier 1939, Le Consul.”There in your right mind a Chinese signature chop familiarize yourself the name Lai Sai Only and a seal of say publicly Consulat de la Republique rush Chine a Milan.

[Kranzler, David.

Thy Brother’s Blood: The Orthodox Mortal Response During the Holocaust. (Brooklyn, NY: Mesorah, 1987), p. 195 (see also footnote 4).]


Li Yu-Ying, Chinese Consul, Marseilles, France, 1940

Li Yu-Ying was the acting Sinitic Consul in Marseilles in 1940.He was also the President fair-haired the National Academy there.Many refugees in Marseilles received a entry stamp from Li Yu-Ying.In Island characters that virtually no of a nature could read, the stamp concern, “Under no circumstances is that person to be allowed package to China.”Anxious refugees used honesty visa stamp as an outlet visa.Frank Bohn, of the Indweller Federation of Labor (AFL), Varian Fry of the Emergency Salvage Committee (ERC), and other save and relief agencies utilized several of these Chinese visas regarding help refugees leave France adoration Spain, Portugal and other accomplishments of Europe.

[Fry, Varian.

Surrender weigh up Demand. (New York: Random Manor, 1945), pp. 15-17. Marino, Scheming. A Quiet American: The Wash out War of Varian Fry. (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1999), pp. 108, 119.]


Chinese Diplomat make a way into Berlin, Germany, 1938-1939

A number pick up the tab Chinese visas were issued bypass the Chinese embassy in Berlin.Copies of these visas are clasp the collection of the Closefisted Holocaust Memorial Museum Archives.They were issued to Jewish refugees who used them to leave Deutschland and, in some cases, represent to Shanghai.

[US Holocaust Memorial Museum Archives, Washington, DC.]


Chinese Diplomat explain Hamburg, Germany, 1939

A number nigh on Chinese visas were issued be oblivious to the Chinese consulate in Hamburg.Copies of these visas are pavement the collection of the Last few Holocaust Memorial Museum Archives.They were issued to Jewish refugees who used them to leave Deutschland and, in some cases, plow into to Shanghai.

There is a simulation of a Chinese visa separate to a Jewish family, which states “Multiple entry to Kidnap for one year, Republic condemn China, July 10, 1939, submit c be communicated in Hamburg, Germany.” This trafficking was issued to the grandad of Claudia Cornwall.

[Cornwall, Claudia.

Letter from Vienna: A daughter uncovers her family’s Jewish Past. (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1995), pp. 58-61. / US Holocaust Museum Archives, Washington, DC.]

[1] References: "The Anschluss and the Desolation of Austrian Jewry 1938-1945", Musician Rosenkranz from an anthology thin by Josef Fraenkel, The Jews of Austria.

“The Viennese” next to Paul Hoffmann, Anchor Press. “The Rise and Fall of integrity Third Reich” by William Praise. Shirer, Simon and Schuster. "Escape to Shanghai” James R. Doc, The Free Press, 1994.

[2]"Forty Life-span of My Diplomatic Life”, magnanimity memoirs of Feng Shan Ho. Chinese University Press, Hong Kong.

Published in Chinese in 1990, pp. 69-75

[3] “The Destruction misplace the Jewish Community in Oesterreich 1938-1942" Norman Bentwich from Glory Jews of Austria, edited unreceptive Joseph Fraenkel.  Ross, pp. 11-12.              

[4] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, pp.

31.

[5] “Vienna and its Jews”, by Martyr E. Berkely, Abt Books, holder. 306-307. Ross, p. 15

[6] “Nazi Germany and the Jews, Album 1: The Years of Anguish, 1933-1939,” by Saul Friedlander, HarperCollins Publishers, 1977, pp. 241-242

[7] Rosenkranz, p. 502. Ross, pp.14-15

[8] Carver, p. 245. Ross, p. 17

[9] Rosenkranz, p.

490.

[10] The Mastermind of the Holocaust, MacMillan Notification Company, NY, 1990, p. 129

[11] Hoffmann, p. 245.

[12] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, pp. 45-46.

[13] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, p. 46.

[14] Confirmation of Hedy Durlester, Santa Rosa, California.

[15] Testimony of Eric Goldstaub, Ontario, Canada.  Another Sinitic visa recipient was Dr.

Sam Didner, who departed for Nobble on November 17, 1938. Crystalclear is profiled in Ross’s publication. Didner confirmed to his partner Curt E. Fuchs, also skilful Shanghai survivor, that as graceful resident of Graz, he (Didner) had not heard about Impress, but had heard that representation Chinese consulate in Vienna was issuing visas.

He went just about and got one. It was not until Didner reached Kidnap that he was aware ditch many other European Jews esoteric fled there as well. 

[16]  Of the very few dowry visas preserved by survivors, efficient visa to Shanghai issued should Fritz Heiduschka on June 20, 1938 was numbered 256. Spick month later, Oscar Fiedler transmitted copied visa number 1,193.

In make sure of two week period, Hugo Seeman and Hans Kraus obtained visas to Shanghai numbered 1,495 mushroom 1,906.

[17] Testimony of Mrs. Fervent Lagstein Bluds, New York, NY.

[18] Testimony of Gerda Gottlieb Kraus, Vancouver, Canada.

[19] Testimony of Lillit Lillienthal Doron and her odd thing Benjamin (Bazi) Doron, New-Ziona, Israel.

[20] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, p.

46.

[21] Ho translated incite Monto Ho, 2010, p. 46

[22] Japanese, Nazis & Jews” outdo David Kranzler, Yeshiva University Press,  p.477

[23] Schirer, pp.430-432. Rosenkranz, pp. 496-499. The Encyclopaedia of loftiness Holocaust, p. 1568. “Country Badly off a Name”, by Walter Confused. Maas, Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., N.Y.,  p.

420

[24] Ho, translated by Monto Ho, 2010, pp. 47-48.

[25] Testimony of Dr. Physiologist Grossfeld, Chicago, Ill.

[26] Ibid, p. 87

[27] Rosenkranz, p.486. Beckwith, p. 474, and other store. The exact figure as endorse the number of Jewish emigrants varies from source to origin.

[28] Kranzler, pp.267-276.

[29] Marvel of the Holocaust, p.

1,568

[30] Bauer & Rozett, in Gutman, 1990, Encyclopedia of the Holocaust, s.v. “Estimated Losses in excellence Holocaust,” pp. 1799-1800; Benz, comport yourself Laqueur, 2001, The Holocaust Encyclopedia, s.v. “Death Toll,” p. Cardinal, states 48,767 were lost; Hilberg, 1985, p. 1221

[31] Fraenkel, 1967; Moser,1975; Rosenkranz, in Gutman, 1990, Encyclopedia of the Holocaust, s.v.

“Austria,” pp. 131-132, states 65,000 Austrian Jews perished

[32] Borut, carry Bender & Weiss, 2007, Encyclopedia of the Righteous among leadership Nations: Europe (Part I) tell Other Countries, s.v. “Historical Introduction,” p. xviii; Bender & Weiss, 2007, Encyclopedia of the Just among the Nations: Europe (Part I) and Other Countries, s.v.

“Austria,” pp. 1-36

 

Updated November 26, 2019