33. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter1
SUBJECT
- Determination to Assist Refugees from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union
In the memorandum at Tab B,2 Cy Vance recommends you determine that it is important to the national interest that up to $1.13 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee Fund be made available to the voluntary agencies resettling refugees from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union who entered the United States before October 1, 1978. OMB concurrence is at Tab C.3
Primarily because of the sharp increase in Soviet emigration during 1978, funds appropriated to the Department of State were insufficient to provide the normal level of Federal assistance to voluntary agencies resettling refugees accepted by the United States. Although the agencies continued to process and resettle refugees at their own expense, the debts incurred could curtail the ability of some agencies to continue [Page 113] to accept refugees. As Cy points out, this situation threatens a vital link in our refugee program.
Because the flow of refugees has remained high, similar funding shortfalls are anticipated in FY 1979. State intends to handle these through a supplemental budget request.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the determination at Tab A.4
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 50, Presidential Determinations: 5/78–7/79. No classification marking. Sent for action. Reginald Bartholomew initialed for Brzezinski.↩
- Not attached. See Document 31.↩
- Attached but not printed is a March 6 memorandum from Edward Sanders of the Office of Management and Budget to Dodson.↩
- Not attached. The Presidential Determination was not found.↩