Mr. President. this past week I wrote to Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger to express my concern over the financial situation faced by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near EastUNRWA. and urged an immediate Presidential determination for a special emergency contribution to its current program. As I indicated in my letter. the financial situation of UNRWA continues to deteriorate. Official estimates indicate that some $20 million are needed to give the agency minimum financial solvency. and that the deficit for 1974 alone is approximately $10 million. According to officials in UNRWAand I believe this view is shared by officials in the Department of Stateunless additional contributions from the international community are forthcoming within the very near future. UNRWA services. including the distribution of food rations and the education of young refugees. will be sharply curtailed. Given the hopeful changes toward a lasting peace in the Middle East. our country and the international community should not lose sight of the continuing humanitarian needs among the refugees and the immediately important responsibilities of UNRWA in helping to meet these needs. Mr. President. there is approximately $5.200.000 which is immediately available to help UNRWA in the contingency fund for humanitarian purposes authorized in Public Law 87510.
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Refugees refugees