The problem of European refugees and displaced persons must be dealt with “rapidly and adequately,” it was emphasized here today at the opening meeting of the United Nations Committee on Refugees and Displaced Persons, which will be in session here for five weeks to decide the fate of homeless people and to establish an international body which will take over the care of refugees and displaced persons.
Hector NcNeil, British Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, was unanimously elected chairman of the committee. Today’s session was opened by F.C. Sharpley, head of the London office of the United Nations, in the Church House at Westminster with representatives from twenty countries attending. Also present were representatives of the Intergovernmental. Committee on Refugees and high UNI RA officials in charge of refugee work.
Speaking on behalf of the British Government, Sir George Rendel said that Britain will give its wholehearted cooperation in helping to settle the problem of refugees under principles of justice.” This problem, he declared, must be solved promptly, since homeless and starving people represent a danger to the countries where they are presently residing.
The Committee on Refugees and Displaced Persons will deal with all aspects the refugee situation in Europe during its session here and is charged with presentation of a comprehensive report for presentation to the United Nations Social and Economic Council before May 25. It is certain that the report will recommend the establishment of a permanent United Nations body to assume the functions of the Inter-governmental Committee on Refugees and of the League of Nation’s Commission on Refugees.
Among the questions which will be studied here are the issuance of internationally recognized identity documents to refugees and displaced persons, and the possibilities for permanent settlement of displaced persons in new countries where they would eventually become full-fledged citizens.
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