840.48 Refugees/4692a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
Washington, October 15,
1943—5 p.m.
2537. The reported influx of refugees into Switzerland, both escaped prisoners of war and fleeing civilians, has resulted in pressure in this country on the Government, Amcross, and other private relief organizations to send assistance to them.
[Page 367]In order that proper consideration may be given to this matter, please inform Department by telegraph:
- (1)
- Number and nationality of refugees now estimated to be in Switzerland with separate figures as to escaped prisoners and civilian refugees.
- (2)
- Are escaped prisoners of war interned in camps for the duration and separated from civilians?
- (3)
- Are civilians confined to camps or at liberty?
- (4)
- How are needs of refugees met, that is, by Swiss Government, Swiss Red Cross, private relief agencies, or through combination of these methods?
- (5)
- Is assistance by American relief organizations desired? If so, in what form and amounts? Through what Swiss agencies should such assistance, if desired, be channeled? (Please note that this is not a commitment but merely an inquiry at this stage.)
Hull