840.48 Refugees/7–2444
Memorandum by the Delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross (Zollinger)32
We have received today the following communication from the I.C.R.C. in Geneva:
The Hungarian Government is willing to make possible the emigration of certain categories of Jews and has advised the I.C.R.C. of its readiness in this respect.
Very obviously from the viewpoint of maintaining the principle of neutrality, which in effect is based on reciprocity, the I.C.R.C. feels that the number of emigrant Jews to be admitted to the United States should be substantially increased, and that a corresponding number of Entry permits should be accorded.
It would, furthermore, be desirable if the United States Government would make a public statement on this subject, indicating the number of Entry permits accorded. The I.C.R.C. is of the opinion that such a statement would impress the Hungarian Government as the visible sign of a favourable reaction to their decision to cease the persecution of the Jews also on this side. Moreover, the possibility of an eventual withdrawal of the concession granted would be made difficult by a public declaration, as suggested above, which would at the same time also forestall an attempt on the part of the countries of emigration to throw the blame for an eventual failure on the countries of immigration.
The I.C.R.C. would like to be informed whether the United States Government would be willing to transmit and support this proposal to the Governments of South American Republics or whether the I.C.R.C. should do so directly.
The I.C.R.C. reserves the right to issue a communiqué concerning this proposal, which has simultaneously been submitted to the Government of Great Britain.
- Handed personally to the Adviser on Refugees and Displaced Persons (Warren) and duplicate transmitted to the Executive Director of the War Refugee Board (Pehle).↩