Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration

Abstract

The Council of the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) held its sixth session in Geneva, April 8–12, 1957.1 The Council took note of two reports submitted by the Director describing the work of the Committee from January 1956 through February 1957. The reports pointed out that there had been a further decline in overseas emigration from Italy and Greece, especially to Latin American countries, and an increase in emigration from Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Netherlands. On the other hand, migration to the United States had reached a high level due to a sharp increase in the rate of issue of visas shortly before the expiry of the Refugee Relief Act atthe end of 1956. Discussing the reports, Council delegates expressed their concern at the decrease in movements to Latin America, especially movements of workers as distinct from those of persons emigrating under family reunion schemes. With regard to land settlement the Council was informed that the decision of the United States to devote part of its Latin American Development Fund to the promotion of land settlement schemes had stimulated interest in this field. Eight projects prepared with the cooperation of ICEM had been submitted by the governments concerned to the United States authorities. With respect to transport, the reports drew attention to the difficulties resulting from the progressive increase in passenger fares and the withdrawal of vessels formerly available for the movement of migrants. During the discussion, several delegates emphasized that the continuous and orderly movement of migrants depended on the availability of adequate transport facilities. The Council learned that the United States was considering the possibility of making available to ICEM three vessels formerly used as United States troop carriers.