Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

317. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva ¹

Washington, March 27, 1962, 5:39 p.m.

1411. Your A–151.² Re UNHCR proposed 1963 regular program the Department: (a) considers UNHCR should plan finance annual program of projects for which he can assure same year initiation and intensive action toward implementation. Thus US considers his budget should be submitted on year to year basis as refugee problem may dictate. In any event US will consider its contributions on year to year basis. (b) Mission should call UNHCR attention to continuing US belief that solution of remaining refugee problems in countries with flourishing economies should be primarily responsibility of host government with minimal contributions from international resources. This particularly applicable in cases of refugees fully employed and integrated except for provision adequate housing. US would wish impact its contribution directed toward solution problem in less flourishing countries.

Re continuing program primarily Europe Department in accord legal assistance activities. Department would wish more specific and detailed information re program content other items before commenting.

As UNHCR aware US contributions must be made on basis extant problems. Thus US unable contribute to “open fund account” but would not oppose creation such account if other governments desire contribute to it. US considers preferable emergency fund continue be used for good office’s purpose as in past. Also considers that expenditures for housing unless on emergency basis should not be made from emergency fund but should be covered within regular program.

US over-all contribution to 1963 programs unlikely exceed 1962 level.

Falk will discuss administrative grant-in-aid with Schnyder during ICEM meeting.

Ball

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, 324.8411/3–662. Official Use Only. Drafted by Elmer M. Falk, Laurence A. Dawson, and Robert F. Lent on March 27; cleared by Falk in substance; and approved by Richard R. Brown (SCA/ORM).
2. In airgram A–151, March 6, the Mission in Geneva reported that Schnyder had requested Mission officials’ and the Department’s opinion concerning his proposal to seek approximately $7.6 million for UNHCR programs during 1963. (Ibid., 324.8411/3–662)