GELLER, Rolf - eligible for legal and political protection only

[billenzie]

Does anyone have a clue what that status meant?
I found a few other documents in the Archives, with a petition to IRO, and two handwritten letters, pleading for „Full“ refugee status in Geneva - only that would allow him emigration to the USA.
He is a German Jew, fled to London 1937, later worked for US military.
Father and sisters have been gassed, and there’s something about his brother and a senator in Washington.

Could anyone imagine why he wasn’t allowed to emigrate?

Also, on his D.P. 2 card there is a cross at the top right - I hope that doesn’t mean he died during the application period?

In addition, I don’t get why there is a BLANK „medical clearance certificate“ listed unter his name - only a stamp is on there: „CM1-ITS 1.1.1953“.
Need to research that, too.

https://collections.arolsen-archives.org/de/search/person/79114209?s=Rolf%20Geller&t=2859716&p=0

https://collections.arolsen-archives.org/de/search/person/67144625?s=Rolf%20geller&t=2737524&p=0

• Document ID: 22622535a
  
• Document Collection: DP3 of CNI - Central Name Index
  

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Discussion Question

GELLER, Rolf - eligible for leg and …?

Asked by @billenzie

[mareike.hennies]

Good morning,

I can answer at least part of the question directly.

With the restriction “legal and political protection only”, the IRO (International Refugee Organization) took over tasks for which governments and authorities of the home country are otherwise responsible. They represented the rights of the DPs when these were restricted by other authorities. In principle, all recognized DPs were entitled to legal and political protection from the IRO. The stamp „legal and political protection only“ therefore indicates that the person received no other additional assistance. However, the extent of the support could often change again.

You can find additional information concerning Displaced Persons documents and the different document types in our e-guide: Background information on Displaced Persons documents - Additional resources - e-Guide Arolsen Archives.

Best,
Mareike

[billenzie]

Thanks, Mareike!