Results of Bermuda Conference Will Soon Be Apparent, State Department Says

The State Department last night issued a statement on the recommendations of the Anglo-American Conference on refugees in Bermuda, emphasizing that “the results of the recommendations submitted by the Conference will soon become apparent.”

“While the details must be regarded as confidential so long as a knowledge of the recommendations contained therein would be of aid or comfort to our enemies, or might adversely affect the refugees whom we are all trying to aid, certain facts may now be made public,” the statement reads. “The two delegations accomplished the useful task of dividing suggestions and proposals for the solution of the refugee problem into two categories; 1. What was possible under existing war conditions and, 2. What was impossible under these same conditions. All suggestions were measured by two strict criteria, In the first place, nothing could be recommended that would interfere with or delay the war effort of the United Nations, and, secondly, any recommendation submitted must be capable of accomplishment under war conditions.

“The shipping problem was recognized to be of the utmost urgency and it was agreed that any plan looking toward the diverting of Allied shipping from the war effort to remove or care for refugees would present considerations of a military character, which would disclose almost insuperable difficulties, It was also agreed that no negotiations with Hitler could be undertaken, since his entire record has left no doubt that he would only agree to such solutions as would be of direct aid to the Axis war aims.

“The conference was, however, able to recommend measures both for removing refugees from neutral countries and, in those cases where such removals was not possible, for giving assurances of international cooperation in the future of the refugee problem so far as it effected them. It also recommended a number of refugee havens to which refugees could be transported and maintained. If and when shipping should become available. At least one such movement has been effected.

“Certain measures of a financial nature to cover necessary expenses and a declaration of intention to provide for repatriation upon the termination of hostilities were also recommended. The conference also submitted a plan for an expanded and more efficient inter-governmental organization with increased authority to meet the problems created or likely to arise under war conditions. Some of these measures are now being put into effect and others, it is hoped, will soon be possible. It is therefore believed that the practical results of the recommendations submitted by the conference will soon become apparent,” the statement concludes.