projects." [248] We know that Church leaders in the United States made the requested "approach to the Government". [249] The International Missionary Council held a large international conference at Tambaram, Madras, in December, 1938. It reiterated the Vienna (1937) statement of the International Committee on the Christian Approach to the Jews on anti-Semitism [250], expressed "its deep concern about the increasingly tragic plight of the Jews", and urged "that this constitutes a claim of first importance on the Christian Church". It recommended: 1. That prayer should be regularly made in Christian Churches, and particularly on Good Friday and the Jewish Day of Atonement, for all Jews and non-Aryans who are suffering persecution. 2. That individuals, Churches and Christian Councils in countries suitable for the reception of immigrants should use their influence, wherever possible, to secure an open door for refugees. 3. That Christian people in all countries should make a special effort to welcome and help such of their refugee brethren as arrive in their country. 4. That an appeal be made in all churches for help for recognized refugee funds..." [251] In January 1939, at the First ordinary session of the Provisional Committee of the World Council of Churches, the Bishop of Chichester proposed that the Council create a special department to deal with refugee problems. "He felt that the time had come to aid the entire mass of non-Aryans. He meant not only the non-Aryan members of the Church but also the others, albeit there being a special responsibility towards members of the Christian Church. Soon afterwards Dr. Adolf Freudenberg was appointed the first secretary of this new Department for Aid to Refugees." [252] <101> III DURING THE WAR 19 HISTORICAL EVENTS, 1939-1945 1939 Sept. 1 Germany attacks Poland. Sept. 3-4 Great Britain and France declare war upon Germany. Sept. 17 Russia invades Poland. Nov. 30 Russia attacks Finland. 1940 March 20 Finland accepts peace with Russia. Apr. 9 Germany occupies Denmark and attacks Norway. May 10 Germany attacks the Netherlands and Belgium. May 14 Capitulation of the Netherlands. May 28 Capitulation of Belgium. May 20-June 4: Evacuation of the British expedition force at Dunkirk. June 10 Italy attacks France. June 24 France concludes armistice with the Axis. Aug.-Nov. The "Battle of Britain": Hitler tries to subdue Great Britain by air raids. Oct. 28 Italy attacks Greece. Dec. 7-11 Victory of Great Britain in North Africa.