The Jewish Trail of Tears The Evian Conference of ... - Haruth.com

Chapter 9
Days Nine and Ten
“Serious Spirit of Cooperation”
The report of the Technical Sub-Committee under Judge Michael Hansson of
Norway was submitted in private session on July 14. The committee was charged to hear
confidential disclosures of the immigration laws and policies of the participating
governments and the number and category of refugees that were considered eligible for
admission. A solution was needed to deal with the issue of “documentation” for stateless
immigrants. Meetings were held on July 8, 11and 13 . The representatives arrived at a
general consensus in which all of the governments acknowledged the “serious nature” of
the refugee crisis and the “urgent necessity for a solution.” The limits of cooperation of
each country, however, were framed by “their laws and individual situation” and the
background and qualifications of the prospective immigrant [and I would include, the
terms of the official invitation]. The Hansson committee believed “prospects for
increased reception of refugees” were reasonably good dependent upon the relevant entry
requirements. In addition, resettlement in overseas territories was being considered by
certain powers but required detailed analysis and long-range planning. Countries
bordering Germany and Austria could not be expected to admit more refugees until those
who were granted temporary haven had moved on to other destinations. These nations of
transit “may continue to make an important contribution” towards solving the crisis by
235