740.00119 EW/12–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received (December 15?)—12:40 a.m.]
7161. From Angell No. 148. Will require greater flexibility in negotiation of fund for non-repatriables than is clearly requested in mytel from Angell No. 147.56 French, Czech and Yugoslav delegates may insist on inclusion of refugees from Fascist countries other than Germany. This would increase eligibles by 200,000 Spanish refugees in France according to our information. At same time it may be impossible to increase fund from $25,000,000 to $40,000,000 as suggested in mytel from Angell No. 147. What would be lowest sum acceptable assuming that Spanish refugees must be covered? We are not in position to judge how many Spanish refugees would, in fact, be deemed to require aid.
On further reflection, I consider acceptance of veto by interested governments of aid for nationals of formerly occupied countries a difficult matter. Department will be conscious of possibility that acceptance of such veto may prejudice US position with respect to UNRRA aid for displaced persons from eastern European countries. While acceptance of veto is desirable in narrow context of problem of aiding resettlement of non-repatriable victims, a decision on this point clearly involves wider aspects of US policy.
If veto by interested government with respect to aid for nationals of formerly occupied countries is unacceptable to Department, it may be possible to restrict scheme to German and Austrian victims both inside and outside Germany. Would such restriction be acceptable? What would be lowest sum acceptable in that event? What would be minimum sum if Spanish refugees are covered.
Saturday December 15 is likely to be last opportunity to secure conference action on this proposal. We are arranging teletype conversation with Washington for Friday evening December 14 Paris time. Urgently request Department’s answer at that time to questions raised in mytel from Angell No. 147 and in the present telegram sent Department 7161 repeated London for Stevenson as from Angell 15 from Paris No. 864. [Angell.]