The Evian Conference in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume IX

Public Opinion in Western Europe and the Evian Conference of July 1938

Between July 6 and 14, 1938, an international conference attended by delegates from thirty-two states met in Evian, France, to discuss the problem of (Jewish) refugees from Germany and Austria. The attendees were well informed regarding the position of the various governments and were aware of the social and economic obstacles that stood in the way of a solution. The discussions demonstrated sentiments of humanity and justice, which were often not reflected in the newspaper reports. Unfortunately, the Jewish national position was never clarified and a negative view of the Jewish organizations was presented. Britain absolutely refused to raise the subject of Palestine. Public opinion in Western Europe proved to be weak and helpless. The conference failed, which only made it easier for Nazi Germany to bolster its policy for the Final Solution of the Jewish problem.