Speech #830272102

Mr. Speaker. I have requested information concerning the results of the administration of the Refugee Relief Act in the following letter to Hon. Scott McLeod. the Administrator of the program: DEAR MR. McLEOD: The end of the fiscal year 1954 affords an appropriate opportunity for reappraisal of the administration of the Refugee Relief Act of 1953 in the light of the goals and objectives established. The difficulties of the act in facilitating the entry of refugees and escapees are recognized. of course. Yet it is essential that administration within the terms of the act utilize to the full the potential which it creates. The critical importance to the success of the foreign policy of the United States of encouraging escapees. especially those with special skills and information. from behind the Iron Curtain is by now well understood: also. that a safe and soughtafter place of resettlement is a very important factor in that regard. 1. Information furnished by your office indicates that as of July 2. 5.633 visas were issued under the act. with 7.688 visas issued to date. This compares with a goal of 10.000 visas by June 30. 1954. a reduction from the original goal of 15.000 which was. as I understand it. established by your office. Could you advise me why the goal was not met and could you let me have your latest figures on the actual arrival of refugees and escapees under the program into the United States as of the end of 1954 fiscal year? 2. Attention is invited to the large proportion of preference immigrants constituting those receiving the visas issued. aggregating for Italy and Greece alone as of the end of the fiscal year some 5.400 of the aggregate amount of visas issued and as of the last reported date 7.350. I favor help with this problem as proposed by H. R. 8193 now nearing presidential approval. One of the important objectives of the act was also In the issuance of visas to escapees. I would very much appreciate receiving now your views as to the reasons why the modest goals established for escapdes under the act have not been attained. 3. Recruitment of staff called for a target of 697 civilian employees in field positions as of June 30. 1954. according to the March testimony before the Appropriations Committee. I would very much appreciate being advised as to the extent to which this target has been attained and the field staff goals now established. 4. It will be recalled that there were some problems regarding the certificates of readmission required under the act. I have had called to my attention and in turn call to your attention the problem of utilizing the quota for 2.000 Polish war veterans refugees under the circumstances of the refusal of the Government of the United Kingdom where most of them are located to issue readmission certificates to them. 5. Progress made in the implementation of section 6 of the act and problems encountered. 6. You will recall. too. our discussion regarding the proper relationship under the program with voluntary agencies who have organized themselves into the American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service.