840.48 Refugees/7–3144
The Department of State to the British Embassy
Memorandum
The following communication has been received from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Washington:
[Here follows text of memorandum of July 24 by the Delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross, printed on page 1103.]
Careful consideration has been given to the foregoing proposal. In this connection there have also been examined the telegrams from the British Foreign Office dated July 20th and July 22nd respectively, which were transmitted to the Department of State on July 26, 1944,46 and a telegram from the American Legation at Bern dated July 19, 1944.46a
The foregoing communications relate to a proposal by the Hungarian Government to make possible the emigration of certain categories of Jews, a proposal which apparently has resulted from warnings and appeals addressed to the Government of Hungary to cease the deportation of Jews.
The following are the views of the United States Government with respect to this matter:
- (1)
- However repugnant to principles of justice and humanity the proposal and its motivation may be, the practical situation requires that such proposal be accepted as quickly as possible in an effort to save the lives of the largest possible number of people.
- (2)
- In present circumstances, it is not likely that any substantial number of refugees can or will be moved from Hungary with such speed that we could not cope with this situation as it develops. In any event, it is the strong view of this Government that the acceptance of the Hungarian Government’s proposal should not be couched in terms of specific numbers of people for whom it is now thought possible to find temporary asylum in each of specified countries. It is also the view of this Government that such acceptance should not await the outcome of any census of possible locations for such refugees as may be able to leave Hungary. This census can be taken as the movement from Hungary proceeds. The urgency of the matter does not permit of any protracted discussion if lives are to be saved.
- (3)
- The fact must be faced that the obligation of accepting the Hungarian proposal is the responsibility of the United States and British Governments, and these Governments must act at once without waiting to consult or solicit the aid of other governments if the action is to be effective. In the judgment of this Government, the acceptance of the Hungarian proposal should not be handled [Page 1113] through the Intergovernmental Committee which, of necessity, would have to consult and receive the approval of its several members, some of whom are neutrals. To delegate the matter to the Intergovernmental Committee would in the judgment of this Government in the circumstances, be understood in Hungary and elsewhere as a delaying gesture. Any such delay would not only jeopardize lives, but would enable the Hungarian Government to proclaim that its offer to release Jews has in effect been refused by the United States and British Governments. For the same reason, there is insufficient time in which to consult the South American Governments. Their support can be obtained later.
- (4)
- It is the considered view of this Government that the two governments acting in conjunction should request the International Committee of the Red Cross to advise the Hungarian Government that the two governments will undertake to care for all Jews who are permitted to leave Hungary and who reach neutral or United Nations territory and to find havens of refuge where they may live in safety. This statement should be clear and unequivocal and should be publicly announced. Only this kind of an acceptance will in the eyes of the Hungarians and of the world constitute a genuine expression of willingness to save the Jews of Hungary. Havens to accommodate a substantial number of such persons are already available. The question of finding additional havens as needed for such persons can be worked out as the movement develops. In this way the two governments will be in a position to act upon the basis of the numbers involved as well as the problems of transport. Although the basic responsibility for finding havens of refuge will be that of the two governments, as the need develops, requests can be made for the cooperation of other governments such as the governments of the other American republics and of appropriate international organizations. Any other process, we are convinced, would prevent effective action in time to save the lives of those in jeopardy.
In view of the foregoing, and with the firm conviction that such action should be taken without delay, this Government proposes to take the following steps:
- (1)
- To request the International Committee of the Red Cross to advise the Hungarian Government that the Government of the United Statese is prepared to arrange for havens of refuge for all Jews who are permitted to leave Hungary and who reach neutral or United Nations territory.
- (2)
- To make public in the widest and most effective manner possible this joint acceptance of the Hungarian proposal.
Attached hereto is a draft of a cable47 which this Government proposes to send to the International Committee of the Red Cross not later than August 7, 1944. It is extremely important that the British Government take parallel action, and it will be appreciated if the assent of the British Government is received prior to August 7, 1944, in order that the cable may indicate that the action [Page 1114] is the joint action of the two governments. In the event of concurrence the British Government would presumably send similar instructions to its representative in Bern.