Commanding officers in processing centers. as well as local government officials. simply cannot afford to wait for the White House policy guidance as Cubans storm out the gates of their facilities. In short. the President should designate. as was done in 1975. one official with the authority and capacity to assume the responsibility for managing all aspects of this situation. Under the Refugee Act of 1980. the Office of Refugee Coordinator is contemplated as having such authority. Clear lines of authority must be laid down and the roles and responsibilities of the numerous Federal agencies involved must be clearly delineated. Likewise. effective communication lines must be established between the Federal Government.