The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved the joint resolution, providing for United States participation in the international Refugee Organization.
The key modification states that membership in the organization shall not in any way authorize “any temporary emergency or other immigration or admission to the United States or its territories or possessions of any refugees or displaced persons referred to in the constitution of the IRO.” The President, “or any officer, representative or agency of the U.S., ” is likewise prohibited, by the amendment, from authority to conclude any agreement with the organization. The amendment also provides that authorization for membership shall not be construed to affect in any way any other matter requiring action by Congress.
Instead of a blanket authorization for necessary funds for the American contribution to the IRO, another amendment limits the sun to $75,000,000.
The proper care and effective resettlement of ‘European war refugees and displaced persons depends upon United States cooperation in the problem, State Department and Justice Department officials told the Washington section of the National Council of Jewish Women today.
George L. Warren, Advisor on Refugees and Displaced Persons to Gen. John H. Hilldring, Assistant Secretary of State for Occupied Areas, said he had “great confidence” that four more nations would soon sign the IRO constitution, completing the total of fifteen required before the organization can function. He suggested Balgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia and “two or three” South American countries as possibilities.
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.