Speech #800189214

I should prefer to see the directive given to an advisory board. but in any event. the commission for which the committee has provided should be able to set up the necessary machinery to take the initiative. They will have to go abroad. They will have to do the things that neither the Immigration Service nor the Consular Service is qualified or equipped to do. They would not in any way bypass those services. They would use them all the way through in determining their own responsibilities. But it is necessary that somebody move in this matter. and my judgment is that unless we give administrative power to the Commission as provided by this very simple amendment. it will result in the programs going by default. and nothing aggressive or positive will be done in the effort to accomplish the purpose sought. We would be left with the problem on our hands. as we have been for the last 2 years. because there would be no affirmative placing of responsibility. It seems to me we have all had experience sufficient to know that when there is an agency of the nature of the Immigration Service having its own work to do. and when we have the various consuls throughout the world. who have their responsibilities to pass on the applications. we are not going to get anywhere. unless initiative is placed somewhere. The point I make is that there is nothing now in the bill which makes adequate provision for admitting 200.000 people. and bringing about a solution of the problem of persons in the camps for whom we have a responsibility. I feel that. as the bill is now framed. the commission is not adequately empowered to handle this program successfully.