Spanish Refugee Appeal

The Spanish Refugee Appeal is identified as one of the Spanish relief organizations active in the circle around Jean Tatlock and J. Robert Oppenheimer. Its place in the account is established through Thomas Addis, its chairman, whom Tatlock introduced to Oppenheimer in the winter of 1937–38.

Identity and Leadership

The account names the Spanish Refugee Appeal as a relief organization concerned with Spain’s refugees. Thomas Addis, a Stanford University medical professor and a friend and mentor to Tatlock, chaired the organization. The evidence identifies its purpose and leadership but does not describe its internal structure, specific programs, or the number of people it assisted.

Connection to Oppenheimer’s Circle

By the autumn of 1936, Tatlock’s strongest political commitment was the plight of Republican Spain. She and Oppenheimer began organizing fund-raisers for various Spanish relief groups. In the winter of 1937–38, Tatlock introduced Oppenheimer to Addis, who soon became his good friend. The account places the Spanish Refugee Appeal within this network of personal relationships and relief work, but does not specify whether the fund-raisers organized by Tatlock and Oppenheimer directly benefited the Appeal.