President. I reluctantly oppose the amendment of the distinguished and learned Senator from Florida. whose leadership I have followed on many matters. and whose parliamentary skill and great knowledge I have always admired. We must concede that we have some responsibility to care for Cuban refugees in this country. They are very often the victims of circumstances that are not of their own making. indeed. they are the victims of circumstances that I think we might say are somewhat of our own making. because of our own failure to deal effectively with the Cuban problem. However. it seems to me that we must consider a broader question. namely. the question of Cuban policy. Would it not be possible. if the amendment were adopted. that the action which is proposed could be interpreted to mean that we accept the refugee status of the Cuban people as permanent? Could it not be interpreted to mean that it is the intent of the Congress to do nothing about restoring the government of the Republic of Cuba to the people of Cuba? Perhaps this might be only another act on the part of the Government of the United States that would be a demoralizing factor to the Cuban people. because it would appear that we were accepting their situation as a permanent one. I think we ought to provide appropriate programs for the Cuban refugees. but I do not think it should be done under the jurisdiction of the Area Redevelopment Administration.
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refugee refugees