Governor Herbert H. Lehman is returning to Albany tomorrow to clear up details in connection with his position as chief executive of New York State in preparation for resigning next week to assume the post of Director of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation to which he was named yesterday by President Roosevelt.
In a statement issued last night the Governor said that his first job when he gets to Washington will be to set up an organization to carry out a program of relief and rehabilitation for the peoples in liberated countries in the far-flung sections of the world. Although his headquarters will be in Washington, he will “gladly go to any part of the world where I am needed,” the Governor added.
“In accepting the appointment, I have a full realization of the scope and importance of the work and the great responsibilities involved.” Governor Lehman said. “The President’s program of relief and rehabilitation is another step which will make it possible for the United States, in association with the other United Nations, to render an immediate and effective further contribution to the winning of the war and to the solution of post-war problems.”
The official announcement released by the White House yesterday in which Governor Lehman’s appointment was first made public, read:
“It was announced at the White House today that Governor Herbert H. Lehman of New York will resign as Governor on or about Dec. 3, next, in order to become associated with the Department of State as Director of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation Operations.
Governor Lehman will undertake the work of organizing American participation in the activities of the United Nations in furnishing relief and other assistance to the victims of war in areas reoccupied by the forces of the United Nations.
“This is a step in the President’s program of mobilizing the available resources of this country in food, clothing, medical supplies and other necessities, so that it may make an immediate and effective contribution to joint efforts of the United Nations in the field of relief and rehabilitation.
“Governor Lehman’s appointment assures that this country will play its part in such efforts.”
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