Speech #810188906

The Congress elected this alternative as the problems only possible solution which would be consistent with the traditions of western civilization. Concerned. as we have always been. for the welfare of oppressed and homeless people. the United States took the lead. In concert with a number of other nations. in establishing the International Refugee Organization. The specific responsibility of this Organization was to effect the ultimate resettlement of these unfortunate men. women. and children in new homes throughout the world. and to provide for their care and maintenance until such resettlement could be accomplished. As a member nation of the International Refugee Organization. and along with the other member nations. we are dedicated to the purpose of resettling the remainder of the displaced persons in countries where once again they can become independent and selfsupporting. We have long urged other countries of the western world to take their fair share of these people. Surely. Mr. President. others look to us to continue the leadership in terminating this problem. and certainly we. if any nation is. are in a position to take our fair share of these unfortunate people. From the outset. however. it was apparent that the measure of success which could be achieved by the IRO in connection with its very difficult task would be determined almost entirely by the extent to which the nations of the world would be willing to open their doors and accept displaced persons and refugees for permanent resettlement. Between July 1. 1947. when the IRO began its operations. and December 31. 1949. that Organization has succeeded in effecting the permanent resettlement of approximately 760.600 persons. Perhaps it would be well to look at the record of what all the countries participating in the International Refugee Organization program have done in providing new homelands for the displaced persons. As of December 31. 1949. however. there still remained approximately 417.800 men. women. and children to be resettled. It is with the ultimate fate of these persons that we are concerned today.