840.48 Refugees/11–845: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
9810. Kindly transmit following message from Under Secretary Acheson to Minister Noel Baker.
With further ref to my recent message to you13 concerning the work of IGC I am now advised that representatives of IGC attached as liaison officers to USFET have informed USFET that in keeping with amendment to Resolution No. 5714 adopted at the UNRRA Council Session in London they are for the present confining their resettlement activities to those persons who are definitely stateless, presumably German and Austrian refugees denationalized by the Nazi regime. I assume that similar notice has been given to the military authorities in the Br Zone.
The result of this policy is that no action is now being taken by any organization looking toward the eventual removal to other places of settlement of those refugees or displaced persons who may finally prove in fact to be non-repatriable. In the view of this Govt IGC should assume responsibility immediately for exploring the opportunities for settlement elsewhere which may exist. Such exploration should be carried on discreetly and without notice to the groups which may benefit.
This Govt thoroughly supports every effort to repatriate as many displaced persons as possible, and shares concern with the Br Govt that all action be avoided tending to increase the numbers unwilling to return or to encourage those now unwilling to maintain this position. It is suggested, however, that it is unrealistic to assume that our hopes that all displaced persons will eventually return will be realized.
The care of displaced persons unwilling to return will become increasingly burdensome in the immediate future and in spite of all [Page 1207] efforts to reduce the flow into Germany of Germans from the East, the numbers returning this winter will undoubtedly present grave problems of shelter to the occupying authorities in Germany.
In view of the fact that action by IGC for placement elsewhere of those who finally prove non-repatriable will require months in time, it is urged strongly that IGC should assume this responsibility immediately in order that removals from Germany may take place when such removals become politically expedient and when transport, facilities are available. It also appears desirable that the military authorities in Germany should be advised that IGC has assumed this responsibility.
No obligation for IGC relief in Germany will be involved in this action as this responsibility remains clearly with the military authorities and UNRRA. To take no action until the period of UNRRA responsibility has ended will prove wasteful in time and extremely costly in relief funds. In this connection you will recall that Mr. Clayton15 in August expressed the view that it would be very difficult to secure US Govt support for continuing UNRRA or military relief to displaced persons unless constructive measures had been undertaken in the meantime to find solutions for the non-repatriable. I shall therefore appreciate word from you as to the views of the Br Govt on this proposal.