840.48 Refugees/7–2644: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:19 p.m.]
4775. Department’s 2351, July 8;33 London’s 198, July 1.34 International Committee of Red Cross replied substantially as follows on July 21 with reference to proposal that ICRC approach German Government regarding willingness Swedish Government to receive certain refugee children from any part of Europe under German control:
“Since as a result of steps taken by ICRC Hungarian Government has just assured that certain categories of Jewish people could leave Hungary, among whom would be all children under ten, we consider action such as suggested should now be undertaken. Having in mind importance of whole problem, we are approaching German Government as well as Swedish and certain other neutral governments.
From information received from American Legation on July 6, it is understood that United States Government envisions that ICRC should select children. This requires very special consideration because of great responsibility and various technical difficulties involved which are known to British and American Governments. ICRC, however, will report result of its examination of this particular problem and the answers received from various governments to be approached”.35 Ekneld.
- Not printed.↩
- Sent to Department as telegram 5228, not printed; the Minister in Switzerland was instructed (in accordance with the Department’s wishes) to concert with his British colleague in a joint approach to the International Red Cross concerning child evacuation plans (840.48 Refugees/7–144).↩
- The International Red Cross made the suggested representations to the Germans but no affirmative reply was ever received.↩