840.48 Refugees/8–344: Circular airgram
The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics 49
Please refer to previous communications regarding persons affiliated with persecuted European groups in enemy controlled areas holding documents issued in the names of American republics and efforts to safeguard their lives. Intense persecution of such groups, including forced deportation and mass extermination has been introduced into Hungary, where persons holding documents issued in the names of American republics are reported to be in danger because of absence of representation in that country. Amlegation Bern cables:
“With regard to general question of Latin American documentation in German controlled countries, the suggestion that such Latin American Governments as have not previously made arrangements for their interests in Hungary to be taken care of urgently ask Switzerland or other neutral country to assume such representation is made by the Legation for the consideration of the Department. All Latin American countries without direct representation in Hungary except Uruguay, Chile, Brazil and possibly El Salvador, would seem to be concerned in this.”
Please consult appropriate officials of the Foreign Office in an endeavor urgently to secure representation in Hungary by Switzerland for the Government to which you are accredited. Although such government’s interest in Hungary may be nominal, its representation in Hungary preferably by Switzerland is an essential first step to the humanitarian effort to save the lives of persons there holding documents issued in such government’s name, and the approach to the Foreign Office should be on that basis. If the government to which you are accredited agrees to this measure, please request it to instruct the protecting power substantially as follows: (1) Passports and other documents issued in its name to persons in Hungary subject to persecution, are recognized and confirmed; (2) Hungarian Government to be so advised and that it is expected that persons holding such passports and other documents will be accorded the treatment, rights, privileges, and immunities of nationals of the government to which you are accredited, and (3) the United States is authorized to negotiate for the exchange of such persons. You may assure the Foreign Office that in the event of such negotiation every preference will be given by the United States to unquestioned nationals of the government to which you are accredited, and that such government will not be expected physically to receive other persons, who, if exchanged, will be routed to other havens.
If desired this Government would be willing to act as a channel of communication in representation matters between it and the Swiss or other neutral Government to which it wishes to entrust its interests in Hungary.
Please advise the Department promptly of the results of your approaches.50