840.48 Refugees/2114
The Consul at Trinidad (Hall) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that in the course of a conversation on March 9, 1940, Sir Wilfrid Jackson, the Governor of British Guiana, stated that the project for the settlement of European refugees in British Guiana was, for the moment, in abeyance, but except for the question of financial support by the British Government, he could see no reason why the project could not be proceeded with, in spite of the existing war conditions. He further expressed the belief that by setting aside all the territory south of latitude 5° for settlement, and the administration of this settlement independently of the Georgetown Government,52 it would be not only more satisfactory for the refugees, but would prevent any possible internal difficulties.
Americans and others familiar with the interior, appear to believe that a European settlement could be satisfactorily established and that transportation, while admittedly exceedingly difficult, would not be an insurmountable objection. It is suggested that the proposed canal and river system, utilizing the Berbice and Rupununi Rivers, could be brought into operation for not more than $3,000,000.
Respectfully yours,
- Government of British Guiana with capital at Georgetown.↩