But unless we are prepared at this juncture to write off Algeria and north Africa to the Communist bloc. it is imperative that we do everything in our power to extend the influence of the free world within Algeria and to frustrate the designs of the Kremlin. It is imperative. among other things. that there be a friendly American presence in Algeria and that we actively concern ourselves with the work of relief and rehabilitation which will be the prime task confronting the Algerian people over the coming period. We cannot leave the task of relief and rehabilitation for Algerian refugees entirely to France and the United Nations and the Communist bloc. Our own humanitarian traditions. our position of world leadership. our vital stake in the Near East. and our continued friendship with the Arab peoples all demand that the United States assume a share of the burden. I can think of no more effective way of communicating our friendship to the people of Algeria than by approving the very modest appropriation of $3 million for Algeria refugees. which would be dispensed on the spot by representatives of the American Government and of the American voluntary agencies. in cooperation with Algerian relief workers. The dedicated representatives of the American voluntary agencies working in the refugee field have been among our most effective ambassadors of good will. The program that would be made possible by my amendment would be doubly effective. precisely because it would not be a handout from government to government. but would be operated on a peopletopeople basis. Mr.
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refugee refugees