EN

Fritz Pfeffer comes to the Netherlands

Fritz Pfeffer entered the Netherlands via Oldenzaal. He received permission to travel on and thus crossed the border legally. He found accommodation in Amsterdam and lived there until 19 May 1940.

Event

Dec. 9, 1938

52.30642 N 6.93376 E

Stationsplein

Oldenzaal

Nederland

Fritz Pfeffer arrived in the Netherlands by train via Oldenzaal on 9 December 1938. He reported to the Amsterdam Immigration Department on 27 December 1938. This department noted: 'Refugee. Self-sufficient. Wants to go to Australia'.[1] According to a 1947 statement by Walter Ungar , Pfeffer crossed the border under a false name with the help of his housekeeper Else Messmer. She later travelled after him to bring him jewellery and other valuables.[2] However, the Vreemdelingendienst in Amsterdam claimed that, although only admitted for visits, he had entered the Netherlands legally.[3]

In late 1938, the Dutch government decided to transfer to refugee camps those who entered the country illegally between 9 November and 17 December 1938.[4] A 19 December 1938 list of names of dozens of German-Jewish men to be taken to the refugee camp at Hoek van Holland includes Fritz Pfeffer.[5] 

Footnotes

  1. ^ Stadsarchief Amsterdam (SAA), Gemeentepolitie Amsterdam, toegang 5225, inv. nr. 4046: Vreemdelingenkaart Fritz Pfeffer.
  2. ^ Landesarchiv Berlin, Hauptausschuss Opfer des Faschismus, inv. nr. 24059: Verklaring 18 januari 1947.
  3. ^ Nationaal Archief (NL-HaNA), Den Haag, Ministerie van Justitie: Rijksvreemdelingendienst (RVD) en Taakvoorgangers, nummer toegang 2.09.45, inv. nr. 1031: Vreemdelingendienst aan Procureur-generaal, 14 februari 1939.
  4. ^ SAA, Gemeentepolitie Amsterdam, inv. nr. 4312: Departement van Justitie, 2e Afdeeling A, no. 7125 Geheim, 15 december 1938, schrijven betreffende illegaal binnengekomen vluchtelingen.
  5. ^ SAA, Gemeentepolitie Amsterdam, inv. nr. 4312: namenlijst 19 december 1938, bladzijde met handschrift gemerkt "HvH7".