102. Message From Senators Albert Gore and Gale W. McGee to the President1
Refugee program Palestine refugees as presently operated in Jordan is immoral, dishonest and unfair. Fundamental change required before extension justified.
UNRWA officials say fraudulent possession and use of ration cards for Jordanians widespread but GOJ will not permit validation cards now 11 years old. Some officials estimate there may be 150,000 ration cards unjustifiably or fraudulently used. Ration cards have become chattel for sale, for rent or bargain by any Jordanian whether refugee or not, needy or wealthy. These cards used as security for loans from money lenders, for credit from merchants, almost as negotiable instrument. By mortgage foreclosure and various other means including concealment of dead, many have acquired large numbers ration cards which in turn are rented or bartered to others who unjustifiably receive UNRWA rations much of which now in blackmarket.
George B. Vinson, field registration and eligibility officer stationed old Jerusalem told: “We are fully aware we have tens of thousands of non-existent people with ration cards with which somebody draws rations.” When asked estimate extent such unjustifiable distribution Vinson replied: “20 to 30 percent.” Col. Edward Miller, Deputy Director [Page 227] UNRWA, said such use ration cards is “quite widespread”. Dr. Harry Howard, US Representative UNRWA Advisory Committee, confirmed this and added: “I have actually seen merchants openly weighing and buying UNRWA supplies from recipients of distribution centers.” Meanwhile rations have been denied estimated 100,000 babies born to refugee families since January 1, 1951. This heartless denial excused basis Jordanian refusal permit reasonable validation ration cards.
Dag Hammarskjold, Executive Secretary [Secretary-General] UN, excused both situations in draft report to UN on grounds they approximately “equated” each other. This is strange cruel equating—fraudulent blackmarket profiteering on UNRWA rations on one hand and denial of rations to hungry children on the other.
We do not criticize local UNRWA officials. On contrary we admire their efforts to obtain improvements. It is GOJ prevents check on holders of ration cards. Their difficulty is appreciated but situation must be corrected.
Future program of relief and rehabilitation direly needed for refugees, the victims of tragic situation, but ten-year extension present program without significant correction would be most unfortunate. Perpetuation present situation can but have corroding effect. It breathes contempt of law and order, promotes and regards [rewards] dishonesty.
Relief program only part refugee problem which in turn is only part of strife and conflict that permeates this area. Is necessary however speak out on relief program in particular now because this question now up for decision in UN and in budget process of US.
In confidential report on spot investigation October 6 George Vinson wrote in concluding paragraph: “It will be observed out of 145 ration recipients 61 were found to be ineligible, that is 42 percent.” As further illustration extent unjustifiable holding ration cards our investigation showed some Jordanians employed by US Embassy itself at salaries far above average income of Jordanians actually held ration cards.
The baffling, exasperating nature this problem overall and in its various parts appreciated. We were assured by Prime Minister and Ambassador Mills discussions underway looking toward effective solution. We were encouraged by this. Even so clean-up this widespread dishonesty should be necessary prerequisite any extension present program.
Fundamental change would appear urgently needed. Something-for-nothing policy should be abandoned for those who are able to work. This area in dire need of reforestation, reclamation, road construction, reservoir building, and many other helpful developments. [Page 228] There should be early transition to works program at going wage scale for this area.2
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Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320.511/11–1959. Limited Official Use; Priority. Transmitted in telegram 922 from Amman, November 19, which is the source text. Also sent to Herter, the United Nations, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the press. The message was sent following a 2-hour meeting by the Congressional delegation with Jordanian Prime Minister Majali during which the question of fraudulent ration cards had been raised “forcefully” by Senator McGee. (Telegram 926 from Amman, November 20; ibid., 320.511/11–2059)
In a separate telegram, Ambassador Mills reported that he had not seen the message or known that it was being sent until after the delegation left Amman. (Telegram 923 from Amman, November 19; ibid., 320.511/11–1959)
↩ - Telegram 922 does not bear the Senators’ signatures.↩