860c.48/371
The Secretary of State to the Polish Minister (Lubomirski)
Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your notes of August 3rd and July 26th last regarding the desire of the Polish Government to arrange for the temporary sojourn in the United States of a number of Polish children, refugees from Siberia.
In view of the special circumstances you have cited, the Department of State will waive the usual visa formalities for these refugees who number, as it appears from your communications, approximately 300, and whose ages vary from 2 to 16 years in the case of the children who are accompanied by a number of adult persons.
As regards the permission for these refugees to enter the United States, the Department of Labor has stated that, assuming that these persons are found admissible under the terms of the Immigration Law, it will be necessary to meet the requirements of the Law concerning their departure at some stipulated time. This is usually done, by the giving of a suitable security, but it has also been done upon the assurance and undertaking of the government interested that, if temporary landing is permitted, these aliens will not, during the period of such landing, become public charges, and that they will depart from the United States at the time stipulated.
[Page 288]While it would appear from the statements in your communications of August 3rd and July 26th that you are entirely willing to give the assurances required by the Immigration authorities, I would appreciate it if you would confirm this to me by letter in order that I may be able to inform the Department of Labor of your definite undertaking in the matter.
The Department would further desire to be advised by you, from time to time, of the contemplated arrival in the United States of these refugees, with information as to the ship, the port and date of arrival and the number of refugees expected.
Accept [etc.]