Telegram from War Relocation Authority Director Joseph Smart to President Franklin Roosevelt
8/17/1944
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In August 1944, during World War II, 982 European refugees arrived at an Emergency Refugee Shelter at Ft. Ontario, near Oswego, New York. They entered the United States outside of immigration quotas with the status of temporary "guests." They were not permitted to leave the camp during their stay, and were required to return to their home countries or another location after the war.
Joseph Smart served as Director of the War Relocation Authority, which operated the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter from August 1944 to June 1945. Shortly after the arrival of the European refugees, Smart sent this telegram to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on behalf of the 982 refugees residing at the Shelter, thanking the President and the American government for its hospitality and wishing for a complete and quick victory in the war.
Joseph Smart served as Director of the War Relocation Authority, which operated the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter from August 1944 to June 1945. Shortly after the arrival of the European refugees, Smart sent this telegram to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on behalf of the 982 refugees residing at the Shelter, thanking the President and the American government for its hospitality and wishing for a complete and quick victory in the war.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Interior .
National Archives Identifier: 176891187
Full Citation: Telegram from Joseph K. Smart, Director, War Relocation Authority to President Franklin Roosevelt; 8/17/1944; 1-5 Refugees (Pt. 1); Central Classified Files, 1907 - 1972; Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Interior , Record Group 48; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/telegram-smart-roosevelt, March 23, 2023]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
