548.D1/214
The Under Secretary of State (Phillips) to the American Representative on the Committee for Refugees From Germany (Chamberlain)
My Dear Mr. Chamberlain: I have your letter of January 23, 1935, in which you inquire regarding the possibility of seeking Congressional authority for the Government of the United States to make a contribution to expenses of the High Commission for German Refugees when the other Governments represented on the Governing Body of the High Commission have agreed to make similar contributions.
I may say unhesitatingly that an Executive request for a contingent appropriation is technically possible. Such an appropriation would be subject, in the ordinary course of events, to the customary careful observation of the various members of at least four committees of the Congress with a view to detailed examination of the several considerations involved. The likelihood of the suggested contingency coming to pass is but one of the phases of the whole matter which would receive extended discussion.
Having in mind the many ends which the High Commission is endeavoring to achieve and the possible ill effects of giving an opportunity for expression of any sort of opposition to their achievement, I incline to the opinion which, from my conversation with him, represents [Page 418] the President’s views, that no endeavor should be made to secure an appropriation until the other Powers have acted.
Sincerely yours,