Catalogue description War Refugees Committee: Minutes, Papers and History Cards

In September 1914 the Local Government Board assumed responsibility for Belgian refugees, who had previously been assisted by the voluntary War Refugees Committee which administered relief from public funds to Belgian and other refugees. The services of the committee were retained until 1916, when alternative arrangements were made through the British consul general at Rotterdam. The board encouraged the formation of local committees to render aid to Belgians and other refugees from friendly states, but assumed direct charge of a clothing department set up by the War Refugees Committee, of leave arrangements for Belgian soldiers coming to this country, and of repatriation.