Camp Zirndorf had a population of some 800 at the time of our visitthe majority having arrived in the Federal Republic during the past 3 months. A typical case in that camp was a young Czech journalist who had managed his escape after securing an exit permit to attend an international hockey match in Vienna. Explaining that he had become disenchanted with his homeland because of the strict control and direction over his journalistic work. he expressed a keen desire to emigrate to any country in the Western World where he might work at his profession with freedom of expression. In these three camps I was much impressed by the contribution that was being made by the host GovernmentsAustria. Germany. and Italy. These Governments are bearing the brunt of the European refugee problem by assuming responsibility for the refugees basic care and maintenance until he is either processed for resettlement overseas or integrated into the local economy. The high majority of the refugees choose overseas resettlement and their preferences are Australia. Canada. and the United States. A representative of Austrias Ministry of Interior informed me that the Government of Austria would expend 29.000.000 Austrian shillings. approximately $7.000.000. on the care of refugees during the current year. It would be reasonable. I believe. to estimate that the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany will expend a comparable amount and that the Government of Italy even more. I was also very favorably impressed by the significant contribution that was being made by our own U.S. refugee programUSRPunder which supplemental assistance is rendered to the refugee/escapees and defectors through a network of American voluntary agencies. Whatever the agency. be it a Catholic group. a Protestant group. a Jewish group. or a nonsectarian one. it was inspiring to see what these dedicated people were doing in the asylum areas for the benefit of refugees.
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emigrate refugee refugees