Speech #830062987

I appreciate the statement made by the distinguished Senator from North Dakota. who is chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. As the author of the bill. I have a strong feeling that it will help coordinate the efforts which are now being made throughout the world in behalf of refugees. Ten different agencies are now operating in Europe. and others are functioning in the Near East and the Far East. All of them have something to do with refugees. and are being supported financially. to some extent. by the United States. Reports come to us. which I think are authentic. that in countries where such agencies are operating there is more or less competition among them. At least. the refugees. or some of them. sometimes feel that they can sit back and wait for a better offer from another agency. Obviously. if so many people are dealing with one problem. it means waste. extravagance. and Inefficient administration. A Commissioner of Refugees can be of great aid in coordinating the program and bringing it under one head. I believe the proposed bill is a constructive step in the direction of helping to solve the refugee problem. It will not in any way affect the Immigration and Naturalization Act. passed a year ago. in fact. it would work in harmony with that law. At least. the efforts in behalf of refugees would be centered in one place. and there would be provided fair. efficient. and firm direction of our program to aid and assist these people. in connection with other nations which are at present acting in a similar fashion with respect to the refugee problem. I think this is a long step forward and a very constructive piece of legislation. which will help solve a very pressing and distressing problem.