840.48 Refugees/8–2244: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
6808. From War Refugee Board. Kindly refer to Embassy’s 6784 of August 22 regarding implementation of acceptance of Hungarian offer discussed in conference on August 21.
Quite forcefully suggested to Board by recent events that in actuality neither time nor opportunity exists for large scale rescue operations from Hungary. Recent indications received that Germans will not permit Jewish emigration from Hungary except as part of unacceptable ransom scheme make this appear particularly true.
This Government is anxious to continue doing everything possible to relieve precarious situation of Jews in Hungary despite the foregoing. The Board therefore has examined with much interest the suggestions of IGC and other groups present at above mentioned conference. You are authorized to indicate to various groups represented that the suggestion that the IGC assume active responsibility and leadership in this matter meets with general agreement of Department and Board.
Various cables sent or repeated to you have indicated that this Government has taken unilaterally many, if not all, of steps both as regards Intercross and neutral governments suggested in memorandum submitted by the IGC. Confirmation from Intercross that it is pursuing actively many lines, both as to rescue and relief, now suggested by IGC has already been received. Also, this Government has requested all neutrals to communicate to the Hungarian authorities their willingness to receive refugees from Hungary, and guarantees of financial aid and prompt evacuation have been given the neutrals. Their willingness to receive refugees has been indicated to the Hungarians by nearly all neutrals. The neutrals and the Hungarians have also been informed that, in addition to making 5,000 children’s visas available for children from Hungary or other European countries, other action concerning granting of American visas to Jews in Hungary has been or is being taken. Willingness to receive refugees for duration of war has been indicated already by Mexico.
Please indicate to British Government and IGC that while this Government has already taken the foregoing action, it is anxious to cooperate in working out such further measures as may be deemed necessary or advisable, and is in general agreement that such steps be taken under IGC leadership. The Board desires however to take [Page 1139] advantage of coming visit of Goodhart81 to Washington to effect an exchange of views, so as to avoid confusion in planning for future action and to keep abreast of rapidly changing military and political situation. The Board in addition is sending James H. Mann, Assistant Executive Director, to London immediately. He will be able to give complete information regarding action already taken by this Government to implement acceptance of the Hungarian offer to IGC and interested British Government agencies. [War Refugee Board.]
- Arthur L. Goodhart, an American who was at this time professor of jurisprudence at Oxford University, who (according to telegram 5278, July 4, 10 p.m. from London) had a knowledge of the workings of the British Government, the work of UNRRA and IGC, and had been helpful to the American Embassy on many occasions (840.48 Refugees/7–444).↩