Lauds Evian Conference; Says It Established Inter-governmental Machinery

The full text of Under-Secretary Welles’ letter to the president of the CIO reads: “I know that it is unnecessary for me to state to you that this government has from the inception of the inhuman policy of racial discrimination and mass murder practiced by the Nazi government done everything within its power to combat this policy and likewise everything within its power to relieve the sufferings of its victims.

“I am, for that reason, surprised that you should refer to the Evian Conference as ‘futile.’ May I remind you that the conference which was called upon the initiative of President Roosevelt was the first constructive, international movement to create inter-governmental machinery which might make it possible in a practical way to give relief to those who are suffering persecution in Europe. The conditions which have resulted from the war, and in particular military conditions, have, of course, made it impossible to afford relief through the agencies created as a result of the Evian Conference an as large a scale as it had been hoped might be achieved.

“In your letter now under acknowledgement, you say that you have been informed that the conference now in session in Bermuda is taking place behind closed doors, and you ask that representatives of the Congress of Industrial Organizations be permitted to be heard by the delegates.

NEWSPAPERS COULD SEND CORRESPONDENTS TO BERMUDA, WELLES STATES

“In reply may I say that the Bermuda Conference is not taking place ‘behind closed doors,’ nor is there any reason why the views, recommendations and suggestions of the Congress of Industrial Organizations or of any other organization should not be transmitted to the delegates of the United States with full assurance that such a communication will receive the fullest and most careful consideration of the delegates.

“Any organization which desires to present a communication to the conference at Bermuda may transmit it to the Department of State by which it will be transmitted to the United States delegation. This has already been done in the case of every organization or person in this country desiring to present such communications for the consideration of the conference. May I suggest, therefore, that such recommendations or advice as the Congress of Industrial Organizations desires to present to the conference be transmitted immediately to this department in order that such communication may at once be forwarded.

“In conclusion may I also say that in order that the press of the United States might have full opportunity of reporting upon the conference, the Department of State arranged for representatives of four principal press organizations of this country to proceed in company of the American delegation and these press representatives are now reporting upon the proceedings of the conference. This department has likewise made it known that it would be glad to issue passports to any other press correspondents who desire to proceed to Bermuda in order to report on the conference.”

TEXT OF APPEAL FROM PALESTINE; JEWS PREPARED TO SHARE EVERYTHING

CIO headquarters here today made public the full text of the cable which they received from the Histadruth in Palestine and upon which Mr. Murray acted. It reads:

“With Jewish masses facing immediate annihilation, we naturally extremely anxious results Bermuda conference. We believe necessary public opinion be brought to bear upon conference by delegation sent to Bermuda representing your organization and other who have clearly expressed not only horror over situation but also demanded immediate means for saving all possible. From very authoritative sources we learn that if United Nations found means providing transport tens thousands and more could be saved. We are overcome with fear that situation may change any day and last chance be forfeited. Jews Palestine prepared share all with incoming Jews. Please do everything you can. We rely upon you.”