Resolutions calling for the relaxation of quota restrictions in the U.S. immigration law to permit the United States to admit its “fair share” of displaced persons, Jewish and non-Jewish, and the pooling of quotas not used during the war years, regardless of country of origin, so that DP’s could enter this country immediately, were adopted today by 3,000 delegates attending the 17th annual convention of the HIAS Council of Organizations.
Another resolution called upon the United Nations to do everything in its power to expedite the formation of the International Refugee Organization to take over the functions of UNRRA when that organization ceases to exist. A third resolution appeals to the member states of the U.N. to relax their immigration laws to admit the largest possible number of refugees.
New York City Comptroller Joseph Lazarus, the principal speaker at the convention, discussed the emigration needs of the displaced persons in Europe. He was followed by Abraham Herman, HIAS president, who reported on the expanded activities of the organization and disclosed the latest information on the status of Jewish DP’s which was obtained by Isaac L. Asofasky, executive director who is now touring European refugee centers. Other speakers included Dr. James Bernstein, who recently returned here after two decades of HIAS service in Europe, and John L. Bernstein, former HIAS president, who described the organization’s location service in 52 countries throughout the world.
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