Speech #820164390

The purpose of the bill which I will introduce is to establish an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government to be known as the Migration Resettlement Agency. the function of which will be to develop and promote migration of surplus workers from certain European countries to areas of the world in need of additional manpower. The purpose of the resolution which I have just introduced is to establish a special committee of the Senate to study the problem of overpopulation in Western Europe and programs of assistance to refugees from Communist tyranny. Mr. President. one of the most serious problems which is facing the free world today is the problem of the surplus population of the free countries of Western Europe. It is a problem which is becoming increasingly more acute because of the additions to the Western European populations caused every month by thousands upon thousands of refugees from behind the iron curtain. Although it is principally a humanitarian problem. it is likewise an economic and political problem which has a direct bearing on our efforts to strengthen the free world against Communist encroachment. The Mutual Security Act of 1951. which was enacted in the first session of this Congress. provided the sum of $10.000.000 to encourage immigration from countries with surplus manpower to underdeveloped areas where such manpower can be effectively utilized. I strongly supported this provision of the Mutual Security Act. because I am firmly convinced that a program of planned international migration of the surplus manpower of Western Europe to underdeveloped areas. if such program is soundly conceived and properly administered. will not only assist in solving the social and economic problems of the Western European countries. but will develop pockets of strength against Communist encroachment in the underdeveloped areas. At the same time this program will relieve the pressure on the immigration system of the United States. which is at this moment threatened with collapse under the besieging of millions. I am firmly convinced. furthermore. that if this Government is to take the lead in formulating a program of international migration from the European countries to the underdeveloped areas of the world. it is essential that. first. such program be based upon facts which we ourselves develop after careful study and investigation. and. second. the program be administered by an agency established by and responsible to the United States Government. After the enactment of the Mutual Security Act of 1951 a conference was called of 32 governments.