840.48 Refugees/1109a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson)
774. For Rublee. Admission of aliens into the Philippine Islands, although governed by certain of our immigration laws, particularly the Act of 1917,90 is not subject to numerical limitations. Refugees who have independent means or whose support is assured by the local Jewish community and who are otherwise admissible are currently being admitted. The Commonwealth Government has been requested to consider how many refugees could usefully be absorbed annually and it is anticipated that specific information will be available in time for announcement at the forthcoming meeting.
The Commonwealth Government is completing plans for the colonization of Mindanao by Filipinos and large sums are available for [Page 870] general development purposes. Large scale allocation and expenditure of these sums may, however, have to await the outcome of various legislative measures which will be discussed during the forthcoming session of Congress. The island has an area of some 37,000 square miles, is sparsely inhabited, much of it is in the main favorable climatically, and is believed to be capable of supporting a very considerable population. President Quezon has indicated willingness to set aside virgin lands there for colonization by Jewish refugees who wish to engage in agriculture or related activities in the development of the island, including health and other public services. This Government has indicated approval of such a project and it is hoped that specific, if preliminary, information concerning it can also be announced at the January meeting.
- Approved February 5, 1917; 39 Stat. 874.↩