Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

710 Consultation 3(A)/739: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Uruguay ( Dawson )

Washington , June 2, 1944—7 p.m.

317. For Sanders from Knapp. In view of keen interest in many quarters, I suggest desirability of brief press release concerning adoption of refugee exchange resolution, reference your 496, May 31, 8 p.m. Its main theme might be that Committee’s attention has been directed by various reports to existence and straitened circumstances of this particular refugee group in Europe and desirability of aiding their release; that the problem concerns American Republics both by reason of documentation held⁴⁷ and because Germans in this Hemisphere constitute principal pool to draw from in seeking release by exchange; and that, accordingly, having considered both the humanitarian and security considerations involved, Committee has concluded, in a recommendation sent to all American Republics, that arrangements should be sought on coordinated basis and under appropriate security safeguards for release of such persons in exchange for German nationals from the American Republics.

Please transmit through Embassy English copies of resolution to all American missions immediately, giving Department by cable data identifying your covering communications. Likewise cable exact changes made from draft resolution.⁴⁸ [Knapp.]

Hull

47. Many refugees held passports from some American Republic.
48. For text of Resolution XXIV, Exchange of Persons Between the American Republics and Germany, as passed on May 31, 1944, see Second Annual Report, p. 93.