The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-24

The refugees eyes follow these men, for in the inner offices vital decisions are made as to whether they will be allowed sanctuary in the United States.
 For the 50 or more men, women and children who crowd the offlce, these young men carry in their hands hope of a new life in Amer ica-or they have the power to send these people back to make a life in countries who already had said there was no place for them.
 However, they are not refugees in the sense of the word commonly accepted in America. These people are well dressed. Most of them have money in the bank, or sufficient funds to get them to America, or business interests which will SUD- port them if they qualify for entry into the United States.
 Must Wait Months
 Many of those in the room have registered months before under the quota system governing the issue Of visas. They had been waiting months for the interview and in- vestigation which will decide their fate. Most of them are Polish, Czech or German.
 Occasionally man and wife will come from one of the rooms in tears. It cannot be told whether they had been granted an entry visa or refused.
 They cry if they get a visa = they cry if they don't get one,'' William Cordell, consular attache, whose home is in Arkansas, ex- plained. Its a tough job turning down those people - but our first duty is to the United States. We don't like to be little tin gods mak- ing these decisions - but if they don't qualify, they don't qualify, and that's all there is to it."
 Wiley Is Consul
 Heading the Lisbon consulate is one of the busiest Americans in Europe - Samuel Hamilton Wiley, 52-year-old North Carolina diplo- mat who has been with the State ADSR0A bAA1C44U 4OA ~ yC616v
 Handling of the refugees is only one of the problems which daily face Wiley and his assistants. He also must look after millions of American dollars which are strand- ed in businesses and banks through out Europe. He is responsible for the welfare and safety of hundreds of Americans still on the continent. In normal times, most of this work is done by representatives at the capitals of t he various countries. Presently, however, the Lisbon con- sultea handles all or part of immi- grafton quotas in a dozen countries, including France, Germany, Bel gium, Holland, Greece, Latyia, Lithuania, Estonia. Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Great Britain.
 Served At Le Hayre
 Wiley was transferred to the Lisbon post from Le Havre, where he had been stationed until Sep tember. He carried on his work in the French seaport, while British planes bombed the city.
 4@AoAOAA Ao LA4C 44O1C HI tA1C UObLOIU of the tub of Europe" Wiley said. Since it is the only neutral spot on the continent which still maintains free contact with the Western Hemisphere, we can expect more and more work until things in Eu- rope are settled"
 The influx of refugees SO crowded the consular office that a special visa office was rented few blocks away last July. Both officeS were consolidated after January 1.
 Meantime, the refugees continue to pour into the consulate at the rate of $50 daily. They return day after day until they are granted an interview. Although out of this number only an average of IS visas of all types are issued each day. they continue to wait. They have about them the air of a people who have waited for years-a few more days do not count.