840.48 Refugees/4876: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Hayes)72
2755. Reference is made to screening of refugees discussed in your 3692, December 15.73 Department feels that screening, with exception of preliminary security screening, should be kept at a minimum. Since a primary purpose of Fedhala Center is inducement to Spain to receive further refugees, every effort should be made not to contravene Spanish wishes in screening process. Department understands that Spanish authorities may well object to process whereby sick and helpless refugees are left there. It is desirable that screening for health reasons should be limited so as to exclude only those persons having contagious diseases of such nature that their presence would endanger other refugees, and such persons as cannot be given proper medical treatment at Fedhala Center. With respect to persons excluded by such health screening, it may be well to make plans for care and treatment in Spain under the jurisdiction of IGC. Please advise Department this regard indicating probable number to be excluded.