840.48 Refugees/4122: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 6—1:30 a.m.]
1374. For Lehman. Your 1383, July 27; and 1400, July 29. (From Murphy from Fryer.) After several conferences staff has decided in light of telegram 1383 of July 27 and 1400, July 29 that it is your desire and that of Department to select first 1500 refugees on basis of their acceptability as immigrants to countries other than North Africa. On this assumption propose that all screening of refugees be done in Spain and that following three qualifications be essential for each of first group of 1500: (1) Enemy national or stateless; (2) desire to leave Spain for North Africa; (3) obvious potentiality whether professional, psychological or physical for resettlement outside North Africa. For those who possess all of above qualifications following four categories will govern priority in order named: (1) Prisoners and internees whose release conditional on ability to leave Spain; (2) persons of military age or politically active persons in danger of internment, reinternment or deportation to country of origin; (3) family units especially where children are involved and single women; (4) holders of immigration visas to other countries. Please inform urgently whether foregoing meets with your approval.
[Garbled group] McDonald, OFR7 representative in Spain, and what is his status in this operation? Unless you instruct otherwise propose to send Spain Youdin8 and as much other OFR personnel as may be required to do screening of refugees, and to work in cooperation with other American and British officials.
Army offers fullest cooperation. Colonel Reekie9 conferring Army in Casa[blanca] concerning selection of place of temporary residence and services to be furnished by Army there. Date arrival and size first contingent will depend largely on your ability to furnish center personnel. Complete budget and personnel requirements will be furnished after Reekie’s return from inspection quarters.
As soon as definitive arrangements are concluded with the Army in regard to place of residence matter will be further discussed with French authorities. [Fryer. Murphy.]