840.48 Refugees/4477a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
5358. The following telegram has been received from Bern and should be referred to the Intergovernmental Refugee Committee.
“‘De la Sem’26 states that about 15,000 foreign Jews at present in Italian occupied France are waiting to take refuge in Italy to escape from Germans should these replace Italians as occupants. It is further stated that Italy which is already more or less supporting 14,000 refugee Jews living on Italian soil is willing to receive this fresh contingent of Jews but only in transit for another destination since the country has not the resources to support additional burdens. This is Tittmann’s27 164, August 25. The ‘De la Sem’ therefore proposes that with help of a humanitarian organization, such as Red Cross which would supply ships, Jews now in danger in France be permitted by Allies to proceed to North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria or Morocco) when they could be assisted with the funds, already available in United States and Great Britain.
“Matter is stated to be extremely urgent for the Jews in France and probably for those in Italian occupied Greece as well.
“The ‘De la Sem’ also hopes that eventually the 14,000 foreign Jews now residing in Italy may be evacuated to North Africa in same manner.
“My British colleague has reported foregoing proposal by telegram to London.”
The Department hopes it will be possible for the Committee to assist these refugees now in danger in France and Italy.