1. Arrived Friday and on Saturday morning had a conference with
International Refugee Organisation representatives on the
possibility of shipping displaced person migrants to Australia.

These representatives say organisation has purchased three vessels
for migration of Europeans largely to South America, and ships can
be made available to us for any migrants we may select from
Europe. Our discussions disclosed that other countries are keen
competitors for best migrant types, and that unless we act quickly
we may lose only opportunity of securing migrants principally[by]
ballots on selective basis.

2. I am sending two Officers to make preliminary selection in
displaced persons amps of those classes of workers who can best
assist our manpower shortages. We would select types specially
suited for Rural work, nursing and domestic work in hospitals,
labour for our reconstruction programmes and developmental
projects. Selection will be on general suitability for work to be
performed after International Refugee Organisation and British
security have satisfied our medical and security requirements. I
propose advise I.R.O. we will admit them in first instance under
certificate of exemption for a period one year as safe-guard
against any tendency to seek employment outside of Industry and
locality for which they have been specially selected. This will
also serve as probationary period to determine fitness for
permanent residence.

3. I.R.O. have to date paid all fares for displaced persons as far
as South America. In view of increased distance to Australia there
may be some reluctance to provide all shipping we require to
Australia. In order therefore to get maximum number of ships as
soon as possible I have indicated that if I.R.O. will agree pay
all pre-embarkation expenses and fare equivalent to that to South
America, I will recommend without prejudice that an ex gratia
payment be made to I.R.O. funds of sum not exceeding 10 per adult.

Consider this by far most speedy and economical method of securing
best type of migrants required for Australia's economic
rehabilitation from non-British sources in shortest possible time.

4. I propose visit Germany next week and will thereafter consult
with I.R.O. authorities and Allied Military Missions in charge of
displaced persons camps.

5. Suggest that time is psychologically ripe to arrange agreement
on suggested lines in view our contribution 165.934 sterling
forwarded last week to Preparatory Commission I.R.O. and would be
glad your confirmation of proposals in paragraph 3.

If you approve I will also go to Geneva and sign agreement with
I.R.O. on behalf of Australia. Ships will then start moving. [1]