800.4016 DP/10–2945
The United States Political Adviser for Germany
(Murphy) to the Secretary of State
Berlin, October 29,
1945.
[Received November 10.]
No. 1211
Sir: I have the honor to transmit for the
Department’s information, especially that of the Adviser on Displaced
Persons and Refugees, a copy of a directive issued by General Eisenhower on
September 20, 1945 to all subordinate commanders relative to the treatment
of United Nations displaced persons and those assimilated to them in status.
This directive is a restatement of policy and practice already enunciated,
but which for one reason or another had not been adequately fulfilled at
operating levels in the field. It is understood that the reemphasis by
General Eisenhower personally was the result in part of the Harrison
report.
Respectfully yours,
[Page 1201]
[Enclosure]
Headquarters
U.S. Forces, European Theater
Office of the Commanding General
Memorandum for all Subordinate Commanders:
(This memorandum may be distributed within the command
as desired by any Commander).
Subject: United Nations Displaced Persons and Those
Assimilated to Them in Status.
1. Policies with respect to the housing, security, health and feedings of
displaced persons have been previously announced. In execution of these
policies there have been instances of hesitation due to the many
administrative difficulties encountered, as well as to the confusing
nature of some of the problems presented in the various sub-districts.
The following is published for the guidance of all individuals whose
duties involve responsibilities in caring for displaced persons—
-
a.
- The details of the organization for caring for displaced persons
must be fully understood, so that every individual is clearly aware
of his own responsibilities and is certain of the channels to follow
in securing assistance.
-
b.
- Cooperation among Civil Government officials and military
commanders in each sub-district must be complete.
-
c.
- The burden of providing the means for caring properly for these
people must be to the greatest possible extent thrown upon the
German population. There will be no hesitancy in requisitioning
houses, grounds, or other facilities useful to displaced persons
except as limited by essential considerations of practical
administration. While the need for general concentration of
displaced groups is recognized, this necessity must be met in such a
way that excessive overcrowding in displaced person installations is
avoided.
-
d.
- In seeking individuals for employment by occupational forces
priority over Germans will be given always to displaced
persons.
-
e.
- Sanitation and wholesomeness and sufficiency of food will occupy
the attention of all responsible officials, civil and military.
Surplus vegetables should be secured to supplement issue rations.
Where possible these should be stored for the winter.
-
f.
- Medical services must be adequate, with personnel supplied, so far
as practicable, from among the displaced persons themselves.
-
g.
- The psychological as well as the physical requirements of these
people are important. Wherever possible facilities will be provided
in camps for giving the maximum possible employment in such things
as shoe repair, tailoring, carpenter work, and so on. Athletic
fields and equipment should be secured from the German population.
School rooms for children should be provided.
-
h.
- Necessary guarding should be done by displaced persons themselves,
on the volunteer system and without arms. Military supervisors
[Page 1202]
may be employed but will
not be used as sentries except in emergency. Everything should be
done to encourage displaced persons to understand that they have
been freed from tyranny and that the supervision exercised over them
is merely that necessary for their own protection and well-being and
to facilitate essential maintenance. In anticipation of winter
months they should be encouraged to provide for themselves the
greatest possible amounts of fuel.
Frequent inspections by commanders of all grades are mandatory.
Incompetent personnel, either in the civil or military organizations
should be instantly relieved by the Army Commander.
