Head Denies Organization is Aiding Palestine-bound DP’s to Reach Italy

UNRRA officials are still awaiting a reply from the British Government to assurances made by UNRRA that the organization is not aiding in the alleged illegal immigration of Jewish displaced persons through Italy.

In a statement to the press today Major General Lowell W. Rooks, UNRRA director general, said that on April 7 officials of the British Government in ## had discussed with UNRRA representatives the problem of movement of DP’s into ##aly from central European countries. At that time, Rooks pointed out, the British ## the view that this immigration had been wittingly or unwittingly aided by UNRRA ##kers.UNRRA then informed the British that it "would be grateful for any evidence ## assistance given by its representatives in encouraging the movement of illegal immigrants," and they are still waiting for a reply, Rooks said. Should there be ##y indication of "improper activities" on the part of the UNRRA staff, "appropriate ##tion will be taken," he said. The British Government was also advised, he added, ## UNRRA would cooperate by informing the proper Italian authorities of any displaced persons arriving at camps without the necessary entry papers.

(The Manchester Guardian, in a Berlin dispatch today, says that there is considerable controversy in the British zone as to what will happen to the DP’s then UNRRA expires. Citing reports that UNRRA has failed to check the progress through Central Europe of Palestine-bound refugees, the dispatch says that the British Control Commission is considering assuming jurisdiction over the refugees after June 30. A similar report was carried in this morning’s New York Times.)