No. 77

Under Secretary’s Meetings, lot 53D250

Record of Under Secretary’s Meeting, Friday, July 6, 1951, 10:15 a.m.

confidential

UM N–365

[Here follows a brief discussion of the case of American journalist William Oatis, then held in captivity by the Czechoslovakian Government. For further documentation on the Oatis case, see Documents 662 ff.]

Surplus Populations in Western Europe, Proposed US. Action (UM D–1451)

2. Mr. West reviewed the main points presented in his paper, UM D–145. He pointed out that it should be recognized that the promotion of emigration from Europe is only one means for handling the problem of surplus peoples. At present there is some movement of the surplus population in Western Europe and the assimilation of the peoples is now taking place in various parts of the world. Two organizations are interested in this problem: OEEC and [Page 183] the Council of Europe. They have concluded that devices should be continued which would promote the movement of surplus populations. Mr. West pointed out that the IRO is about to conclude its activities since a commitment was made that it should continue only as long as its funds remain. After the IRO is terminated, no organization will exist which is in a position to promote the movement of surplus peoples. Mr. West also pointed out that the Displaced Persons Act will be terminated in June of 1952.

3. Mr. West reviewed his recommendations and pointed out that it is proposed that an international agency be created, or that one, now in existence, be strengthened in order to serve as an instrument for promoting emigration from Western Europe. He pointed out that the migration problem is a hazard to the strengthening of those countries for which we are attempting to obtain foreign aid funds. Thus, his recommendation is tied into the use of foreign aid funds for this purpose. The reason that money is required is mainly for transport costs and we must provide this money since individual countries do not have sufficient funds in their budgets for this purpose. The proposal with respect to the intake of people into the U.S. is important but not urgent. He felt that if only one thing were possible to be done to influence Europe and its attitude toward us on this problem, it would be to take in additional numbers under an extension of the Displaced Persons Act.

4. Mr. West stated that the IRO has a fleet of ships and steps must be taken immediately to prevent the abandonment of the charters of these ships. This will take place about the middle of September. He reviewed his proposals with respect to the earmarking of about $10 million of the foreign aid funds and pointed out that ECA feels that this would be an appropriate measure. He also pointed out that Congressman Walter and others on the Hill feel that these steps should be taken. He also stated that since there are many outside pressures to extend the Displaced Persons Act, we must get a position on whether we will support such an extension.

5. Mr. Tate asked why the High Commissioner’s Office for Refugees had been disregarded in the consideration of this problem. Mr. West explained that the terms of reference for this Office precludes its activity in this field. This Office is mainly for the legal protection and the rights of refugees, and the problem before the meeting was one of dealing with native populations, not just refugees. Mr. West pointed out that the IRO has been limited to certain defined types of refugees, but that the pool of ships under IRO had been used for peoples other than refugees. Mr. Matthews asked about the possibility of extending the Displaced Persons Act. Mr. West felt the chances were fairly slim. He pointed out, however, that [Page 184] there is considerable demand in the U.S. that something be done on this problem, and he felt that an extension of the Act should be tested by laying a proposal before the Congress.

6. Mr. Ferguson asked whether we have ever provided funds for the resettlement of non-refugees. Mr. West stated that as refugees are defined by the IRO we have not. By other definitions we have provided assistance. Mr. Thorp pointed out that several International Bank loans have been approved, based upon the problem of absorbing new peoples into an area.

7. Mr. Thorp stated that he is in favor of the paper, but he wondered how many countries are eager and able to absorb peoples, as proposed by Mr. West. He suggested also that it might be wise to get a statement from the International Bank with respect to the consideration of funds for housing, utilities, etc., which would be involved in a shift of peoples. Mr. Thorp also asked whether the $40 million proposed would be for transport costs only. Mr. West stated that the $40 million would be mainly for transport costs and for technical assistance, which involves assisting the countries in making plans, developing operating techniques, employment standards, etc. Mr. West also pointed out that the ILO is working on a revolving fund, since some individuals can repay their transportation costs after a period of time. Mr. West noted that the IRO fleet provided transportation in 1949 for a number comparable to the present requirement for the movement of peoples. In response to a question by Mr. Pittman, Mr. West explained that the 700,000 figure presented in the paper includes surplus populations, part of which has come about through an influx of refugees from other areas. This is especially true in the cases of Austria and Germany. There was some discussion about the movements of peoples and the general population conditions in various countries of Western Europe. It was pointed out that many of the populations are beginning to level off and it is hoped, for example, that the pressures of peoples will pass away in about 10 years.

8. Mr. Mann stated that many areas in Latin America are not suitable for settlement by immigrants. In some cases, the countries may have a disposition to receive immigrants but they will ask them to go inland and work on agricultural developments. Mr. Mann also pointed out that the housing problem is important, in addition to food, machinery, tools, etc., which would have to be provided to the immigrants. This runs into high costs much beyond the initial transportation costs. He pointed out that Latin America does not have the conditions or the money to absorb these surplus peoples and will not do so unless money from outside sources are [is] provided.

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9. Mr. Pittman asked whether the question of the increase in standing armies in Western Europe would affect the problem proposed by Mr. West. He pointed out that the jobs left by soldiers could be taken by potential surplus peoples. Mr. West agreed that this should be considered, but pointed out that with a maximum utilization of troops plus additional employment, a substantial group of surplus peoples would remain in Western Europe. Mr. Martin pointed out in this connection that manpower is not a significant factor in the countries involved.

10. Mr. Merchant questioned whether the U.S. should take the lead on a problem such as this when the U.S. is not very directly involved. He also pointed out that FE has serious problems in its area and the question should be raised as to whether we should devote all of our available money to the European area in the handling of its problem of surplus peoples. Mr. West agreed on the magnitude of the Far East problem, but pointed out that we are not in a position to deal with the global problem at the moment. He felt that the EUR problem was one which could be handled with some ease and which might lead to the development of certain techniques for use in the Far East area. Mr. Martin agreed.

11. Mr. Hickerson commended Mr. West for a good presentation. Mr. Hickerson felt that the displaced persons part of the problem should be divorced from the rest of the problem. He agreed that it would be a mistake to disband the IRO fleet. He felt that if ECA could make $10 million available, other countries could raise additional amounts in counterpart funds and from their own budgets. With respect to the proposal for a new international agency, he pointed out that the attitude of the Congress is against any new international organization. He suggested that a board of directors of 16 countries be formed which would have a direct relationship to the ILO. He emphasized that we should do everything possible to avoid a new international organization. With respect to the Displaced Persons Act, Mr. Hickerson stated that regardless of the merits of the proposal, it would be difficult to get such legislation passed.

  1. Not printed.