I feel very strongly that it is just and fair that the European Recovery Program should also serve as an Instrument to fortify our position in connection with strategic materials of which we are in need and which are of critical importance to our national security. With this idea in view. we have strengthened these provisions. although we have not gone as far as I should have liked. I am happy to say that the committee also unanimously adopted an amendment providing for the release by the Maritime Commission of 10 United States ships suitable for passenger accommodation in order to assist Italy in the transportation of Italian emigrants. It has been estimated that Italy can count upon the availability of maritime transportation for 162.000 persons in 1949. Since Italian emigration to transoceanic countries in that year will amount to more than 200.000 persons. it is necessary for Italian emigration authorities to find passage for an additional 40.000 persons. This provision for 10 ships would in no way interfere with present or anticipated ship requirements in connection with the transportation of displaced persons under the IRO program and would. of course. have no adverse effect upon American shipping interests or on American maritime workers since these vessels will be delivered on a bareboat basis for passenger transportation only and title will remain in the United States. Mr.
Keywords matched
emigration emigrants