840.48 Refugees/4182: Airgram
The Ambassador in Mexico (Messersmith) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 21—noon.]
A–1916. Department’s airgram 2340, August 16, 5:30 p.m., and related correspondence respecting the possibility of a second group of Polish refugees not to exceed 750 coming to Mexico. It is noted that if present plans eventuate, the contingent will arrive in Mexico during the latter part of October.
While I am personally of the opinion that it would have been advisable to have waited some time in order to see how the first contingent of refugees now at León would work out, I am nevertheless prepared to accept the proposal to send this second contingent provided that they are properly selected at the point of origin and that it be clearly understood by them that the prospects of obtaining employment in Mexico are practically nonexistent. As I have indicated in previous correspondence with the Department, it will be absolutely necessary to have a minimum of 2 months’ advance notice in order to prepare additional quarters at Santa Rosa for this second group. It would therefore be appreciated if the Department would advise me in sufficient time prior to the arrival of this group in order that we may get the necessary preparations under way.
I am sending O’Donoghue to León on August 23rd to confer with Mr. Kelly and Polish Legation officials in respect to the possibility of this second group coming to Mexico.