But this rapid process of repatriation came to a halt ir 1947. when the communization of all eastern Europe had deprived most of the remaining DPs of any desire to rcturn to their homelands. At the beginning of 1948 some 837.000 DPs remained in western Germany. western Austria. and Italy. It was our policy not to return any refugee to his country of origin against his will. and I am sure all Senators will agree that no other policy would have been in accord with our traditional American beliefs. Therefore. Mr. President. these 837.000 displaced persons remained at the start of 1948 under the jurisdiction of the International refugee organization. About 611.000 of them were being cared for in displaced persons camps. Since the end of hostilities they had been first under the care of the Allied forces. then of UNRRA and other interim agencies. and finally from July 1. 1947. when the IRO Preparatory Commission began operations. these people were all under the care of that body and its successor. the IRO itself.