Memorandum to Judge Samuel I. Rosenman from Robert P. Patterson

WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON, D. C. Judge Samuel I. Rosenman The White House Dear Judge Rosenman: With reference to the resumption of immigration from Europe, General McNarney has informed the War Department that Army participation along the lines already outlined by you to Colonel Charles W. McCarthy in the selection and movement of immigrants to a port in Germany can be accom- plished at relatively small cost to the Army in personnel and facilities, and will require the expenditure of no additional funds than those already allotted the War Department. However, General McNarney has expressed grave concern over the effect any public announcement will have upon his present program of repatriation of displaced persons. He has pointed out that there are some 750,000 displaced persons in the United States zones at present and that under the present plans a major portion of these would be evacuated by the sum- mer of 1946. He stated that he was of the opinion that announced pub- licity would cause the majority of this personnel to desire to stay in the United States zones and that there would be an increase of personnel infiltrated from outside the United States zones. It is therefore believed that the expected adverse effects of this publicity can best be minimized by not stating in our press releases that immigrants will be selected primarily from United States Occupational Zones. Sincerely yours, Rhapper Secretary of War FOR VICTORY BUY UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WAR BONDS AND STAMPS