Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-09-23
Refugees From Reich
Assured Of Relief
Under UNRRA Plan
BY JOSEPH H. BAIRD,
Star Staff CORRESPONDENT.

NUN REAL, Sept. Z5.-HcSOlu-
tons broadening the scope of post
war relief to two new classes OF
people were approved today by the
Policy Committee of the United
Nations Relief and Rehabilitation
Administration Council here.
This committees Endorsement
virtually assured passage by the
council in formal session.
One resolution would extend re-
lief to German Jews and others OF
enemy nationality who have been
driven from their homes and are
found living in liberated areas. A
resolution approved earlier provides
aid for those in Germany itself.
The second action provides for
including the Dodecanese Islands
within the scope of the $4,000, 900
relief program for Italy which was
approved yesterday.
Russia Wants Relief Priority.
Meanwhile, the committee con-
sidered but postponed until Monday
a Russian suggestion that priority
in relief be given those countries
which have suffered most and con-
tributed most to the war effort.
That Russia regards itself as COM
ing within the category of top pri-
ority nations was made evident
earlier in the week when one Of the
Soviet delegates referred to the
decisive" military role his nation
had played in the war.
The issue arises in connection with
the consideration Of report of the
committee of the Council for Europe
on the basis for determining relief
requirements. The Russian sugges-
ton, it is known, was made first in
the European Council meetings in
London, where it was firmly opposed
by the American representatives,
and the United States delegation
here is expected to take a similar
negative stand.
Aware of Russia's Efforts.
The United States, this CORE
spondent was told today, fully recog-
nizes the tremendous contribution
Russia has made to the war effort
both in terms of men and materiel.
1t also is keenly aware of Russias
pillaged towns, destroyed factories
and ruined, hydroelectric installa-
tons. Furthermore, it is cognizant
that Russia's needs for reconstruct
ton are tremendous.
At the same time the United
States delegation is convinced that
1t is impossible to take suffering or
contribution to the war effort" as
a yardstick for measuring the right
to priority of relief. No practicable
way of doing this is apparent to
them. Moreover, the viewpoint of
Washington is that it Is not proper
to introduce merit system" for
determining the right of destitute
people to receive UNRRA aid
Among the United Nations, at least,
it is held, the only acceptable cri-
terion is need.
In connection with Russia, there
Is some apprehension in American
circles as to the attitude Moscow
may adopt toward UNRRA work in
Poland in view of Russia's refusal
to recognize the Polish government
in exile in London which, from
Washington viewpoint, is the legal
authority of that country.
Lehman to Goto Moscow.
In order to work out the problem
of UNRRA operations in Eastern
Europe, delegation from the coun-
Gil headed by Director General Her
bert Lehman, is going to Moscow
soon after the ending of the ses-
sion here Some American officials
find strong reason to believe that
Russia will insist that UNRRA deal
with the Soviet-sponsored Polish
Committee of National Liberation
in organizing the administrations
work in Poland rather than with
the official Polish group in London
Shortly after the World War,
Maxim M. Litvinoff, for many years
Russian foreign minister and later
Ambassador to Washington, made
a classic remark in connection with
plans of relief agencies to send food
into Russia.
He said: Food is a weapon
meaning political weapon.
The significance of Mr.. Litvinoff's
words are not lost upon American
officials in the present instance.
Relief Formula Adopted.
The impoverished people of the
Axis-invaded nations of Europe will
receive. depending on supplies and
resources, a diet of a maximum
$3.50 calories day and one wear
able pair of shoes or boots" under
a relief formula adopted yesterday
by the Policy Committee.
The formula was worked out in
London by the European Committee
of UNRAA.
1t was explained by Mr.. Lehman
that these were the maximum goals
of UNRRA. UNRRA cannot bind !
itself, he said, to promising every
one shoes and that much food.
IN WAR; koon Tr,rk