Gurs and other French concentration camps: reports and correspondence

Papers of Gurs and other French concentration camps, 1940-1941, include reports and correspondence relating to conditions in Gurs and other French concentration camps, many from former inmates. Reports notably include 'Reports from occupied and unoccupied France' (WL1072/5) and '4000 in Not taube Hilfsorganisationen' (WL1072/11), describing conditions in Saint-Cyprien internment camp and correspondence includes a copy letter from the Archbishop of Toulouse, Jules Saliege (1072/9), and letters from inmates.

Gurs was a major internment camp in France, near Oloron-Sainte-Marie, 80 kilometers from the Spanish border. Established in 1939 to absorb Republican refugees from Spain, Gurs later served as a concentration camp for Jews from France and refugees from other countries. While under the administration of Vichy France (1940-1942) most non-Jewish prisoners were released and approximately 2000 Jews were permitted to emigrate. In 1941 Gurs held some 15,000 prisoners. The camp was controlled by the Germans from 1942 to 1944, during which time several thousand inmates were deported to extermination camps in Poland. An unknown number succeeded in escaping and reaching Spain or hiding in Southern France. Gurs was liberated in the summer of 1944.

Chronological

Open

M. Schneeberger, in 1989.

Description exists to this archive on the Wiener Library's online catalogue www.wienerlibrary.co.uk

Copies can be made for personal use. Permission must be sought for publication.

WL 758