No man. nor a group of men. nor a government could deal with the almost heartrending situation. but this courageous and resourceful son of Norway. who was fast becoming No. 1 public servant in Europe and in the world. tackled the job with determination and firm resolve. Dr. Nansen had already gained high esteem and deserved respect in the League Assembly as the spokesman of his country. and he used his almost unequaled prestige in the furtherance of the cause of refugees there. Once when officially thwarted in his attempt to have the League raise an international relief loan. he personally embarked upon a fundralsing campaign. and in the course of 6 weeks in northern Europe alone he raised more than $1 million. With that sum on hand. he ignored the redtape of official channels. collected a small staff of skilled administrators. and with more aid from organizations in this country. he was feeding some 10 million people on several continents. This man of goodwill. of extraordinary energy. of indomitable will. and of sterling integrity served conscientiously and most honorably the cause of refugees for 10 years. He was their eloquent spokesman in the free world. Through his untiring efforts the lives of many thousands were saved. and many other thousands secured a new lease on life. Nansen was instrumental in endowing these homeless refugees with an international passport. known as the Nansen passport. which was duly recognized and honored by all countries. Thus besides helping these refugees to be fed. he freed them from bondage. For all these almost superhuman services to humanity Nansen was honored by many lands. He was a friend of many monarchs. presidents. and prime ministers of many countries.
Keywords matched
refugees