Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1944, General, Volume I

840.48 Refugees/6334: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)

Washington, July 7, 1944—2 p.m.

1641. Kindly refer to Department’s 1460 of June 9⁷ and 1529 of June 21⁸ and to your 2184 of June 19. Additional facts are now available as follows:

(1) After having previously proceeded to Jerusalem for discussions there, Joel Brandt is now being held in custody at Cairo. Discussions have taken place between the American and British authorities, Brandt and Shertok of the Jewish Agency for Palestine in Cairo.

(2) Brandt’s companion Gyorgy⁹ who arrived with him from Vienna on May 9 was taken into custody by Turkish officials on May 25, released a few hours thereafter, and later proceeded to Cairo where he is held in custody.

(3) With permission of the British Government Shertok of the Jewish Agency is now in London pursuing conversations with officials there.

(4) The Jewish Agency has received word that the Gestapo are very angry over the failure of Brandt and Gyorgy to return to Budapest. It is alleged that the Gestapo have indicated that Brandt’s journey was but a preliminary to later discussions to be carried on in Lisbon by a Gestapo agent named Schroeder. It has been proposed by the British Government that Brandt and Gyorgy be permitted to return to Budapest with the report that Allied circles appear to be concerned with the fate of Jews and to be ready to consider any practical plan for their relief and that Brandt assumes that the Allies will convey their views through the protecting power and that the German Government might expect to hear something through this source shortly.

(5) It now appears that Brandt has indicated in several informal conversations that the German Government would be willing to agree that the 10,000 trucks would not be used on the Western Front.¹⁰ This information was not included in our earlier reports on this matter nor in Brandt’s original statement.

(6) Ambassador Steinhardt is being requested to forward promptly to you Ankara despatches to the Department 676 of June 5 and 679 of June 8¹¹ which will supply additional background information.

(7) Your British colleague in Moscow has cabled the British Foreign Office suggesting that the information on the trucks will increase the possibility of a completely negative response from the Soviet Government. It is the feeling here nevertheless that this information should be presented directly at this time so that the Soviet Government may be fully informed. Your British colleague also believes that Brandt and Gyorgy should not be permitted to return to Budapest until the Soviet Government has had an opportunity to express its attitude on this point.

(8) Two additional proposals for the release of Jews from enemy territory have been received through Stockholm and Bern, the details of which will be sent to you promptly for transmission to the Soviet Government.

You are requested to discuss this matter with the Soviet Government in such manner as you deem appropriate bringing all the facts to the attention of the Soviet Government in your discretion and in concurrence with the British Ambassador in Moscow.

Emphasis should be given in the presentation to the Soviet Government to the fact that neither the British Government nor this Government has been deceived as to the character of this alleged offer of the German Government and that the two Governments are convinced that the offer is part and parcel of the psychological warfare effort of the German Government. The alleged German willingness to guarantee that the trucks would not be used on the Western Front bears this out.

The reluctance of the British and American Governments to shut the door completely on any offer will be readily understood by you. It is expected that other offers of this nature will be received and eventually one may be received which can be considered seriously. By appearing to explore such proposals it is the view here that lives may be saved while the discussions are going on and at the same time the way may be left open for further offers which are anticipated and which may be made in good faith.

The Soviet Government should be informed that the British and American Governments are fully aware of the undesirability of such direct contacts with representatives of the German Government and that they are searching for a method of rescue which may be worked out through the intermediary of the Swiss. The Soviet Government will of course be currently informed of developments and details of any practical proposal will be communicated immediately. No action will be taken without prior agreement with the Soviet and British Governments.

You should consult fully with your British colleague with respect to this matter and make it clear in discussions with the Soviet Government, assuming the British Ambassador is in agreement, that the British Government concurs in the views expressed by you. The British authorities are in agreement here.¹²

Sent to Moscow. Repeated to Ankara, Cairo and London.

Hull

7. See footnote 58, p. 1062.
8. Not printed.
9. André Antol Gyorgy, Hungarian Jew.
10. For summary of German proposal concerning exchange of 10,000 trucks and other items for cessation in extermination and deportation of Jews in all German-occupied areas, see telegram 950, May 25, 4 p.m., from Ankara, p. 1050.
11. Neither printed.
12. The offer was rejected, and the Soviet Government fully advised.