The Fallen Ark: An Analysis of Maurice William’s Plan for the Migration of Jewish Refugees to China

Abstract

In 1939, Kuomintang government was faced with internal and external difficulties: the Japanese invaded many parts of China, Kuomintang army was defeated one after another, and there was no help from abroad, but it was harshly accused of insufficient determination to resist Japan. In order to improve its international image and seek international assistance, Kuomintang government planned to immigrate the persecuted European Jews to Southwest China. This plan received attention and praise of many foreign people of insight, who gave advice to Kuomintang government. Against this historical

background, Dr. Maurice William, a Jewish dentist who was active in American politics stage, proposed his Jewish immigration plan, which was favored by Kuomintang government. Conceived from the start of the Nazi’s persecution of Jews in Germany, the Maurice William’s plan was formally proposed during the period of China’s full-scale war of resistance, but was ultimately aborted due to the lack of support from the U.S. government, the realities of China’s war plight, and William’s idealization. Although this plan failed, through the systematic investigation of the plan, it can be proved that modern China has sympathy and assistance for the imprisoned Jewish people, has an international humanitarian spirit, a sense of international responsibility, and historical concern for helping weak and small peoples, which is in line with the contemporary practical theme of building a community with as hared future for mankind.