840.48 Refugees/12–1344
The Secretary of State to the Executive Director of the War Refugee Board (Pehle)
Dear John: The Department is giving continuing consideration to the questions raised in your memorandum of November 2, 194460 concerning the treatment of refugee problems in the post hostilities period after the termination of the activities of the War Refugee Board. The Department is in complete agreement with the Board that the representation of this Government on the Intergovernmental Committee should be strengthened by the early appointment of a successor to Honorable Myron C. Taylor to represent this Government on the Committee and by reconsideration of the position of the American Vice Director of the Committee and action in strengthening this position.
In anticipation of the termination of the activities of the War Refugee Board it is the intention of the Department to expand the present office of the Adviser on Refugees and Displaced Persons to perform the following functions:
- 1.
- Planning and development of this Government’s participation in the program and financing of the Intergovernmental Committee on Refugees.
- 2.
- Cooperation in the planning of the activities of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration with respect to displaced persons, through the representatives of this Government on the Council and the standing technical Committee on Displaced Persons.
- 3.
- Development of policies and recommendations to the War and Navy Departments on refugees and displaced persons.
- 4.
- Consultation and cooperation with the private refugee agencies with the objective of facilitating their programs abroad within the framework of the foreign policies of this Government and as a continuing expression of this Government’s interest in the refugee problem.
As you will readily understand, the reorganization of the Department of State is not yet complete. Consequently I am unable at this [Page 1186] time to advise you under which Assistant Secretary the general supervision of the office of Adviser on Refugees and Displaced Persons will be placed. I am, however, giving most careful consideration to the suggestions you have made and I should be able to give you definite word very soon now.
I am hopeful that Mr. George L. Warren will continue as Adviser on Refugees and Displaced Persons.
With best wishes,
Sincerely yours,
- Not printed.↩