840.48 Refugees/8–2644: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:35 a.m.]
5579. For WRB from McClelland. In course recent conversations ICRC, recommended that our Government in concert with British Government indicate to Hungarian Government its willingness to transport to some specified haven of refuge in Allied territory a certain number of Hungarian Jews whose removal is not based on possession Palestine certificates and who do not intend to go to Palestine. ICRC feels that such an offer might have greater chance of success than present proposals of emigration to Palestine for Hungarian Jews as it would offset German disapproval of Palestine emigration based on alleged German desire not to jeopardize their good relations with Arabian Mufti.82 ICRC is of opinion such evacuation could best be effected via Rumania as more practical and safer route than transit German-controlled territory to come to Switzerland. I feel proposal worth a try as it has definite points in its favor and would involve Hungarian Jews who would ultimately desire to return to their country. In this respect, WRB’s attention is called to Tangier’s offer of 500 entry visas.
In line with Legation’s 5397, August 19,83 it is strongly recommended that propaganda pressure on Hungarian Government be maintained. Hungarian Government is showing tendency to “relax [Page 1140] on its laurels” following its “generous” offer to allow Jews to emigrate, meanwhile passively permitting Germans to carry out further deportation of people who are after all Hungarian nationals. Fact such acquiescence constitutes common guilt with Germans for which Hungarians will also be held responsible after war. This sort would also strengthen hand those Hungarians of good will in country who have opposed such Jewish persecution from the start. Competent Hungarian circles here commend use of Hungarian language pamphlets as well as radio warnings. [McClelland.]