Speech #800188345

This very amendment coqtemplates that an amendment is to fu low. which has already been printed and which was alluded to by the able Senator from Massachusetts when advocating the pending amendment. extending the group of those who may be considered as original displaced persons. What does that mean? It means that with those who are actually displaced we would class persons who are emigrants westward in this great movement in Europe. So I say. that if the amendment be adopted It does away with the first preference to the displaced persons. and secondly. it does away with the provision written into the bill by the committee giving preference to those who were in the camps on January 1. 1948. Let me point out also something in the pending amendment that may very much mislead us. It says the selection shall be based upon the elements or groups segregated or designated for the purpose of being cared for by the International Refugee Organization. I say candidly that there are many who have been admitted to the camrs who are not in fact properly classed as displaced persons. They come into a country because they desire to emigrate from their homes. They are not driven out. If the companion amendment. which naturally must go with the pending amendment. and which the able Senator from Massachusetts said would be offered along with it when it is acted upon. were adopted. it would include people who are not in fact displaced persons but who for 2 years after the close of hostilities In Europe moved westward across Europe. The International Refugee Organization through its committee that is acting today has taken those people into the camps. I do not criticize the IRO for so doing. The people had no place to go. but they are not in truth refugees who could not return home. and who are to be classed in fact and in truth as displaced persons. That in essence. Mr. President. Is the effect of the pending amendment. I urge that it be not adopted. for the very reason that if it be. then it is to be followed by a series of amendments which. as I have said. will absolutely enlarge the scope of this bill. not limiting it to displaced persons. but in fact making of It an Immigration bill.