840.48 Refugees/10–1945: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:15 p.m.]
10951. For Department and Earl Harrison. We were told this morning by Mason who supervises FonOff refugee work that British Government has now reached policy decision on future of Inter-Governmental Committee on Refugees. He said British feel that UNO (United Nations Organization) should assume responsibility for work [Page 1197] now carried on by IGC (Inter-Governmental Committee) and that the work should be handled as integral part of UNO program rather than by a specialized agency. When we asked him if British had ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) in mind as appropriate agency to carry on this work he said question of appropriate agency would have to be determined by UNO but that he presumed refugee work would fall in ECOSOC sphere. He added that work could probably be carried on by an agency operating with considerable administrative independence under a high commissioner or some other official directly responsible to appropriate agency but that from budgetary viewpoint it would appear most desirable to have IGC’s work brought under UNO.
FonOff wishes to inform director IGC as soon as possible of British decision but does not wish to do so before it has ascertained views US Government on future IGC. It would like to inform Emerson early next week if possible in order that its views may be communicated to Executive Committee at a meeting to be held before November 20 Plenary Session IGC.