President. several weeks ago. on May 29. I wrote to Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger to express my personal concern over the deteriorating financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near EastUNRWA. and to urge his recommending an immediate Presidential determination for a special emergency contribution to this international humanitarian agency. As I indicated in my letter to the Secretary. 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 this view has been shared by the Subcommittee on Refugees. which I serve as chairman. and officials in the Department of Stateunless additional contributions from the international community were forthcoming within the very near future. UNRWA services. including the distribution of food rations and the education of young refugees. would be sharply curtailed. I am gratified to report to the Senate today that. as a result of a Presidential determination authorized by the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962. the United States has committed $4.200.000 toward a special UNRWA account to help finance the agencys education program for young refugees. Coupled with a special contribution of some $8.500.000 from the European Economic Community and smaller contributions from other sources. the American commitment helps to insure that UNRWAs important humanitarian services to Palestine refugees will continue. The administrations action deserves our tribute and support.
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Refugees Refugee refugees