Office of the Historian

840.48 Refugees/1865: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State

London, September 25, 1939.
[Received September 25—3:50 p.m.]

1820. The effect of the war on the refugee problem was discussed this morning with Winterton, Emerson, Van Zeeland and Randall.79 The British position is along the following lines: [Page 146]

(1)
They assume that during the war Germany will permit the emigration only of persons whose departure would relieve economic pressure or who would actively further the German cause abroad and that consequently any wartime emigration from Germany would be of assistance to her. Without taking any final stand prior to the Washington meeting, they feel that continued inclusion in the Committee’s mandate of persons still in Germany (part one of the Evian definition) would be inconsistent with the general policy of the five Governments represented on the Committee who are at war with Germany. This question is considered as distinct from the attitude any individual Government may adopt toward immigration direct from Germany. They further hold that any contact between the director and the German authorities must be suspended for the duration of the war.
(2)
They consider that the practical work of the Committee, unless its scope is extended to cover new categories of persons, will be limited to involuntary emigrants now in countries of refuge. In Great Britain special tribunals are engaged in passing upon all German refugees now in the country. Those adjudged reliable will be subjected to few if any restrictions and permitted to engage in useful work. Those adjudged unreliable will be interned. The British are accordingly not now interested in promoting reemigration from the United Kingdom. The French position is understood to be similar although no definite information has been received. The principal problem is therefore deemed to be the emigration of some 60,000 to 90,000 refugees from the neutral European countries, principally Switzerland, Belgium and Holland, and the permanent settlement of those now in Shanghai.
(3)
Large scale settlement in any British possession during the war is considered out of the question for political and financial reasons, and it is felt that large scale settlement of Germans anywhere at this time might be open to serious political objections. Australia is nevertheless understood to be willing to admit refugees from England who have been passed by the special tribunals and who may be useful to Australia.
(4)
The British Government cannot now undertake any new financial commitments and will not put forward the scheme for governmental assistance envisaged in Winterton’s statement at the July meeting. It is anticipated that such limited private funds as may be forthcoming in Britain and France will be needed for local relief and maintenance although the relaxation of restrictions on employment should reduce the need for assistance. The Czech fund continues available for Czech refugees, subject to such modifications as the war may make necessary. Van Zeeland feels that while the Foundation obviously cannot fulfill its function as a purchasing agency it can as a planning organization, usefully adapt itself to existing conditions. He has persuaded the British members of the Council to hold any move toward its dissolution or suspension in abeyance until after the Washington meeting.

Kennedy
  1. A. W. G. Randall, acting counsellor in the British Foreign Office.↩