Evian: The Dénouement

Abstract

In this chapter, consideration is given to the overall effectiveness of the Evian Conference in achieving its aims as they had been set out in the original invitation and prepared agenda. It is argued did not “fail,” as is often asserted, when it is measured alongside of its formal intentions. Further, it will be shown that practically the only person to read the reality behind the Evian Conference was Adolf Hitler, the man who was directly responsible for the refugee crisis in the first place. Finally, the chapter asks whether the conference could have made a difference to the events of the Holocaust that were to follow within a few short years, concluding that no other outcome was ever likely for the meeting than that which ensued, owing to the priorities of those attending—priorities which did not give any weight to what was, in reality, the most pressing humanitarian crisis of the day.

I am sure … that we should all desire to emphasise the novelty and originality of what has taken place here.

Henry Bérenger (Proceedings of the Intergovernmental Committee, Evian, July 6th to 15th, 1938: Verbatim Record of the Plenary Meetings of the Committee, Resolutions, and Reports (hereafter, Proceedings), p. 45)