840.48 Refugees/1101: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—4:12 p.m.]
1427. From Rublee. My 1391, December 3, 6 p.m. paragraph 12. The meeting between representatives of our office, the outgoing League Commissioner and the incoming League Commissioner, which the officers of the Intergovernmental Committee recommended, was held with Winterton in the Chair this morning. The object of the meeting was to clarify the respective spheres of the activity of the Commissioner and the Director.
Sir Herbert Emerson said that he did not question the Director’s sole responsibility to negotiate with the German Government. For obvious reasons, the League Commissioner could have no contact with Germany and in consequence the effort to obtain the collaboration of the German Government in this work was exclusively in the hands of the Director. It seemed to him that in the second sphere of activity, that is to say, contact with the countries of refuge in dealing with such problems as transmigration and refugee camps, he had the sole responsibility, although of course he welcomed at all times the advice of the [Page 869] Director. With regard to the third area of activity, that is to say, the negotiations with the countries of settlement for the final placing of involuntary emigrants, it seemed to him that there was, under the Evian resolution and the League resolution, a duplication of mandate. Thus, he was directed to “assist the governments and private organizations in their efforts to promote emigration and settlement,” while the Director was mandated to “approach the governments of the countries of refuge and settlement with a view to develop opportunities for permanent settlement.” Emerson said that he had no choice but to comply with his mandate and it was his intention to negotiate actively with the governments of the countries of settlement to promote emigration and settlement. He said that he had already discussed his plans with representatives of various governments which are members of the League and had been assured of their full support.
Winterton said that his Government as a member of the League was bound to support the High Commissioner. At the same time, his Government was a participant in the Intergovernmental Committee and would second any efforts which the Director might make to open up places of settlement. He believed that a solution consisted in weekly meetings in his office between the Director and the Commissioner, where views might be exchanged on current developments and a harmonious plan of action formulated.
Pell, who represented us at the meeting, made no commitments as to the future relationship of the two offices. [Rublee.]