The 32-nation Intergovernmental Committee on Assistance to Refugees, resuming at the Foreign Office this Wednesday morning the conference which was adjourned at Evian-les-bains, France, on July 15, will immediately name a prominent American as director of its permanent refugee-aid bureau, it was learned today.
The proposed director was described by authoritative sources as a close friend of President Roosevelt, with wide experience in diplomatic negotiations. He will be nominated and elected Wednesday morning, and will sail from the United States to arrive in London on Aug. 15, it was learned.
His chief task will be to conduct negotiations with the German Government regarding facilitation of emigration of refugees. In this connection it was denied that any such negotiations were conducted by George Brandt, State department official, who arrived here over the weekend after a tour of Germany lasting about two weeks.
Mr. Brandt delivered a comprehensive report today to Myron C. Taylor, American member of the committee, on his Reich tour, which was concerned mainly with questions of visas and consulate personnel. He denied to the Jewish telegraphic Agency that he had negotiated for the release of Jews from concentration camps, as reported in American newspapers. It was authoritatively denied that Mr. Brandt had discussed the situation with Reich officials, it being stated that his contacts were confined to American representatives.
No definite proposal for emigration of German Jews with capital will be placed before the conference on Wednesday, it was learned. Mr. Taylor will open the first session, reporting on developments since the Evian meeting, and lord Winterton of Britain will then take the chair. Declarations will be made by several delegates, including Senator Henri Berenger of France.
The conference will proceed to elect a chairman, four vice-chairman and the director. It is understood that Lord Winterton will be the chairman and Mr. Taylor the American vice-chairmans. The American delegation has been in London since Friday and has had several preliminary conferences. The other delegations arrive tomorrow.
On Thursday the conference will discuss at length the refugee situation. It is expected to wind up on Friday, at which time the first preliminary meeting of the permanent bureau will be held. It is understood that a large organization is not contemplated. In addition to the elected officials there will be a few technical assistants.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
