840.48 Refugees/756: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 21—7 p.m.]
1523. From Taylor. I have made the following suggestions by telephone to Mr. Rublee for communication by him to Lord Winterton:
“Before leaving for America, I would like to make a suggestion in regard to the refugee matter. In the event of a settlement of the grave questions before the world today there will come a moment when your Prime Minister can bring to the personal attention of Herr Hitler the refugee matter and suggest our proposals—(first) that an orderly exodus over a considerable period of years be arranged; and (second) that justice be done the refugees on the question of their property. The former should be easy of recognition; that all testimony would not be too long if a humanitarian attitude and the interests of the countries of reception were fairly considered. In respect to the former instruction, a group of German, French, British, Dutch and American Government financial experts including representatives of the Bank of International Settlements should be selected to act as advisers to the Chairman and the Director of the Intergovernmental [Page 791] Committee in the preparation of a plan for the release and transfer of such assets of the refugees as are to be restored to them. I make this suggestion that you may take action at the appropriate moment. I am sure this approach will be the most effective and expeditious. I realize it could be done only if agreement on the other and greater questions has been reached but the direct approach through the Prime Minister is so important to those suffering ones whom we are trying to help he might find a way to accomplish it if the moment arrives.”
- [Taylor]
- Bullitt