Wrb Planning Rescue of Jewish Children in Hungary Following Receipt of Horthy Offer

The War Refugee Board is in receipt of Regent Nicholas Horthy’s offer to the Red Cross to release all Jewish children under ten who can obtain foreign visas, as well as adults with Palestine visas, it was learned here today.

The Horthy proposal, which was first made public last week by the International Red Cross in Geneva, was transmitted to its delegation here and forwarded to George L. Warren of the State Department, who acts as liaison officer between the Department and the War Refugee Board.

John W. Pehle, executive director of the WRB confirmed that he had received the Red Cross communication and told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the WRB is presently formulating plans for implementing the Horthy offer by securing havens for the children.

It is understood that the Horthy note has also been transmitted to the British Foreign Office, but this could not be confirmed in British official circles here.

The cablegram from the Red Cross in Geneva also reveals that it has been given permission to furnish relief to Jews who are interned in Hungary or those residing in the ghettos.

The text of the Red Cross communication reads: “Following on the steps taken in Budapest by the International Red Cross Commission in Geneva, the Hungarian authorities have given the Commission official assurances that transportation of Jews beyond the Hungarian frontiers has ceased and that the International Commission are authorized to furnish relief to Jews who are interned or in forced residents in Hungary.

“The Commission is furthermore empowered to cooperate in the evacuation of all Jewish children under 10 years of age who are in possession of visas to reception countries and all Jews in Hungary holding entrance visas to Palestine will receive permission from the authorities to leave for that country.”