840.48 Refugees/8–1444: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb)
2331. The following WRB cable no. 81 is for Dexter77 from Pehle.
In view of recent military developments in France the War Refugee Board feels that no further efforts should be made to rescue either children or adults from France through Spain. This matter has been discussed with Dr. Nahum Goldmann who agreed and it is understood that the JDC is cabling its Lisbon office along the lines of the Board’s decision. You should advise those persons and organizations in Portugal interested in rescue operations of this decision of the Board and ask them to advise their associates in Spain. In the event that any of such persons or organizations are planning to continue such rescue work from France through Spain you should promptly advise me by cable.78
Since the above-mentioned rescue operations are ended insofar as the Board is concerned, I would appreciate your views concerning what, if any, worthwhile projects consistent with the Executive Order creating the Board remain to be carried out in or from Portugal.
With reference your WRB 154 (Embassy’s No. 250979), Mann80 is going to England shortly where he will study problem and submit recommendations to the Board for its consideration regarding any action which it should take. [Pehle.]
- Robert C. Dexter, Special Attaché to the Embassy in Portugal on war refugee matters.↩
- In telegram 2657, August 29, noon, from Lisbon, Mr. Dexter indicated that he had communicated the decision to all private organizations concerned and that no further efforts would be made to rescue either children or adults from France through Spain, and their representatives would be so notified (840.48 Refugees/8–2944).↩
- Dated August 14, 1 p.m., not printed; suggestion was made that the War Refugee Board send a representative into France for study of refugee problem following liberation (840.48 Refugees/8–1444).↩
- James H. Mann, Assistant Executive Director of the War Refugee Board.↩