Man With A Cause 48-05-17 Displaced Person

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Man With A Cause 48-05-17 Displaced Person"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Showcasing radio programs from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring timeless shows like "The Shadow," "Abbott & Costello," "Amos & Andy," "Dragnet," and more.
• Episode: Man With A Cause 48-05-17 Displaced Person
• Release Date: January 13, 2025

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Introduction to the Episode

"Man With A Cause" transports listeners back to a poignant era, blending dramatic storytelling with historical context to shed light on the plight of displaced persons post-World War II. The episode, starring Henry Fonda as Bill Sutter and featuring Elaine McMahon as Ruth Prager, narrates the emotional and bureaucratic struggles faced by individuals striving to secure a future amidst the chaos of war-torn Europe.

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Setting the Scene

The episode begins with the ambiance of an American counselor's office in Stuttgart, Germany, symbolized by a large gilded eagle emblem representing the United States Foreign Service. The setting is bustling, indicative of the high-stakes environment where lives and futures are influenced by administrative decisions.

• Key Scene: Arrival at the Consul General's Office
  • Bill Sutter (Narrator): "You are an American standing in front of a large gilded eagle emblem and seal of the United States Foreign Service in the American counselor that Stuttgart, Germany." (01:07)

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Introducing the Protagonist: Bill Sutter

Bill Sutter, portrayed by Henry Fonda, is an American expatriate working as the UNRA Director of Displaced Persons in Heidelberg. His dedication to aiding over 300 displaced students from 17 nations underscores his commitment to humanitarian efforts.

• Dialogue Highlight: Sutter's Dilemma
  • Bill Sutter: "As you know, I got leave of absence from my employer, the American Express Company, to work for a year with UNRA in Germany... but now that UNRA is folding, they'll be left completely stranded." (02:57)

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Conflict with Bureaucracy

Sutter faces resistance from Reed Robinson, the Consul General, who represents the bureaucratic hurdles impeding the displaced students' hopes of immigrating to the United States. Robinson cites immigration quotas, housing shortages, and economic concerns as barriers.

• Notable Quote: Reed Robinson's Objections
  • Reed Robinson: "The immigration quotas are filled. Too many people are opposed to foreigners entering the country. There's a housing shortage in the state. They'll have no place to live." (04:18)

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Personal Stakes: The Story of Peter

Amidst the broader struggle, Sutter adopts a three-year-old boy named Peter, found in a deserted hospital. Peter symbolizes the innocence and vulnerability of displaced children, fueling Sutter's resolve to bring him to America despite legal obstacles.

• Emotional Moment: Sutter Shares Peter's Story
  • Bill Sutter: "I found this boy lying in a deserted hospital bed... I've had him confirmed in my religion. Protestant." (05:40)

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Support from Ruth Prager

Ruth Prager, Sutter's assistant, plays a pivotal role in reinforcing his mission. She encourages him to engage with American legislators to advocate for the displaced persons' immigration.

• Encouraging Dialogue: Ruth's Support
  • Ruth Prager: "I'm counting on you. In two or three days, I'm counting on you to take a trip to Washington, talk to some senators and congressmen." (09:15)

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The Act of Defiance: Boarding the Plane with Peter

Determined to secure Peter's future, Sutter decides to take him to America illegally by bringing him aboard a plane. This act of defiance highlights the desperation and moral imperative driving Sutter.

• Tense Scene: Attempting to Board

  • Bill Sutter: "Let me take him aboard the plane. He'll be no extra weight on the plane... Let me take him instead of my baggage." (13:00)

• Confrontation with Immigration Official

  • Reed Robinson: "You shouldn't have done this, Mrs. Ferrett. You know it's against the law." (17:58)

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Resolution: Securing Peter's Immigration

In a dramatic turn, Reed Robinson facilitates Peter's passport, allowing him to board the plane legally. This resolution underscores the impact of personal advocacy and the possibility of overcoming bureaucratic inertia.

• Victory Moment: Granting the Passport

  • Bill Sutter: "I found this child a year ago in a deserted hospital... If I take him with me, I can give him a chance to grow up decently like my own children." (18:26)

  • Final Passage with Sutter's Reflection:

    • "Peter is at your side... You have accomplished something this afternoon that you're proud of. Peter... is en route to America... Symbol of those who remain behind." (19:02-20:40)

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Call to Action: Advocacy for Displaced Persons

Concluding the narrative, Sutter urges listeners to actively participate in supporting displaced persons by writing to their congressmen and senators. He highlights the tangible impact of such actions, advocating for the admission of 400,000 displaced persons to America.

• Inspiring Appeal: Sutter's Speech
  • Bill Sutter: "Let's open up our hearts and be generous and considerate. Let's show the rest of the world that America is on the side of humanity... Will you join me in writing to your congressman?" (23:01-26:08)

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Supporting Characters and Contributions

• Ruth Prager (Elaine McMahon): Acts as Sutter's unwavering supporter, facilitating his interactions and reinforcing his mission.
• Reed Robinson (Henry Fonda): Represents the institutional resistance but ultimately aids in resolving the central conflict.
• Irene Haas and Other Displaced Persons: Embody the diverse backgrounds and struggles of those seeking refuge in America.

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Production Credits and Endorsements

The episode was written and directed by Mitchell Grayson, produced by Ted Hudis, with original music composed by Isidore Zier. It features a stellar cast, including Augusta Dabney, Theresa Keane, Sarah Fussell, Ed Jerome, and Joe DeSantis. The program is endorsed by numerous national labor, civic, educational, and religious organizations, emphasizing its authentic representation of post-war humanitarian efforts.

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Conclusion

"Man With A Cause 48-05-17 Displaced Person" is a heartfelt portrayal of individual courage against systemic challenges. Through Bill Sutter's journey, the episode not only narrates a compelling story of compassion and determination but also serves as a historical reminder of the importance of advocacy and empathy in addressing humanitarian crises.

Listeners are left inspired to reflect on their capacity to effect change and are encouraged to take actionable steps in support of those in need, embodying the true spirit of American generosity and justice.

Transcript

[Bill Sutter]

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[Reed Robinson]

The Citizens Committee on Displaced Persons Presents in transcription A Man with a Car, A Man with a Cause A true story about real people with Eileen McMahon and starring Henry Fonda.

[Bill Sutter]

You are an American standing in front of a large gilded eagle emblem and seal of the United States Foreign Service in the American counselor that Stuttgart, Germany. It's a crowded, busy office. Phones are ringing. Officials are at work. You have an appointment with a Consul General. You ask yourself, will he do it or won't he? And a secretary approaches a pretty American girl. She's wearing a dark dress. She smiles.

[Ruth Prager]

Mr. Jenner?

[Bill Sutter]

Yes.

[Ruth Prager]

The Consul General will see you now.

[Bill Sutter]

Thank you.

[Ruth Prager]

This way, please.

[Bill Sutter]

You walk down a long, narrow marble corridor. The phones and the buzzing and the voices fade out. Behind you see a large, heavy oak panel door, the entrance to the office of the man who will say yes or no. The secretary smiles again.

[Ruth Prager]

This is Mr. Robinson's office. Go right in.

[Bill Sutter]

Thank you very much.

[Ruth Prager]

Not at all.

[Bill Sutter]

You are inside the door now. You've seen Reed Robinson before, working this way, his body hunched over a desk, reading papers, studying reports, signing documents. He's extremely able, reserved, and strictly enforces State Department directives. Now he looks up and greets you warmly.

[Reed Robinson]

Well, Bill Sullivan, welcome.

[Bill Sutter]

Hello, Reid.

[Reed Robinson]

I heard the news. Sorry the university is going to lose you. Well, honor had to come to an end in Germany sooner or later. You've done a fine job at Heidelberg, but I guess you'll be glad to get back to the States again.

[Bill Sutter]

I do look forward to it.

[Reed Robinson]

There's always one thing about leaving Europe. The joy of returning home and being with your own people again. That so?

[Bill Sutter]

Yes, in many ways. But this time it's not all so much joy.

[Reed Robinson]

Oh? Why? What's happened?

[Bill Sutter]

I'll come to the point, Reid. As you know, I got leave of absence from my employer, the American Express Company, to work for a year with UNRA In Germany? Yes. Besides working in BP camps, my job as UNRA Director of Displaced has been one of the most interesting and challenging I'VE ever had in my life.

[Reed Robinson]

Everyone agrees that there couldn't have been a better person for the job.

[Bill Sutter]

Thanks. But what I'm driving at is this. 300 displaced students are now studying in Heidelberg. They come from 17 different nations that were overrun and occupied during the war. The military permitted us to give scholarships to these 300 students. But now that UNRWA is folding, they'll be left completely stranded.

[Reed Robinson]

It's too bad, Bill. But you know we get our orders from Washington. There's nothing we can do about it. Unravels, funds are exhausted.

[Bill Sutter]

It's cruel and heartless to treat these young people that way.

[Reed Robinson]

No other way open, is there?

[Bill Sutter]

That's why I had to see a plan.

[Reed Robinson]

A plan? What is it?

[Bill Sutter]

To bring these students to America.

[Reed Robinson]

300 students?

[Bill Sutter]

Yes. How? Help them get passports first. Then have you grant them visas to enter the United States. Will you do it? Will you? You sit there tense, staring at the Consul General. Then suddenly you hear a burst of words pouring out at you. Diplomatically, of course.

[Reed Robinson]

It can't be done. Washington wouldn't allow it. The immigration quotas are filled. Too many people are opposed to foreigners entering the country. There's a housing shortage in the state. They'll have no place to live. Besides, where would they get jobs? How would they support themselves? You grant them visas, how would they.

[Bill Sutter]

Get to the state?

[Reed Robinson]

They haven't any money. They couldn't pay for the passage. No, it's impossible. The whole idea is completely impractical.

[Bill Sutter]

There it is. The Consul General has given you every argument, every reason why it can't be done. And yet you know in your heart that it must be done. You answer logically, reasonably, some of the questions that are raised. Others you don't have the answers to. At least not yet. But you think you've planted a seed. You don't know Reed Robinson. Leave his office. He pats you on the shoulder as he walks you to the door. At the doorway, you pause for a moment, reach inside your coat pocket and take out a small photograph of a three year old, lovable, tousled haired child. The Consul General looks at the picture approvingly. Then ask your son. No, Reed. He's nobody's son. Right now, who is he? No one knows.

[Reed Robinson]

May I ask why are you showing me this picture?

[Bill Sutter]

A short time ago I found this boy lying in a deserted hospital bed. Nobody knew who he was or where he came from. It was mostly eyes, as you can see. Dark, sad eyes. I picked him up and took him with me to Heidelberg. He's Been with me ever since, with the doctor's help. The other day I gave him a birthday. I. I filled out an immigration form for him. You may not grant any visas for my students right now, but when I leave Heidelberg, I. I hope you'll make it possible for me to take him with me.

[Reed Robinson]

May I take another look at that picture, Bill?

[Bill Sutter]

Here it is. I've given him my name, Reid, and I've had him confirmed in my religion. Protestant.

[Reed Robinson]

He's a handsome boy. You set your mind he's going back.

[Bill Sutter]

To the States with me one way or other. I'm sure of that. I'd just like him to go back legally, that's all.

[Reed Robinson]

It may not be possible to get a visa for him until next year. The court is appealed.

[Bill Sutter]

I'm leaving Heidelberg in two days.

[Reed Robinson]

Now, don't do anything foolish, Bill. You may regret it later on.

[Bill Sutter]

Don't worry, Reid. I won't. I'm merely taking this boy to the States with me and I hope you'll help.

[Reed Robinson]

Goodbye, Bill. And the best of luck to you.

[Bill Sutter]

The return trip from Spitgot to Heidelberg takes two and a half hours. It's a cold March day and the roads are gutted. Detours along the road are endless. But your open army truck with no top on it keeps bouncing along until you're back at the university. In your office, there's a log burning in the fireplace and it helps to thaw out the coldness in your body.

[Ruth Prager]

Hello, Bill.

[Bill Sutter]

It is Ruth Prager who's come in. Ruth Prager, your assistant. A dynamic person with a wonderful understanding of people. She looks 32, but she tells everyone her real age. 49. One thing about Ruth, if she's ever disappointed about anything, she'll never let you know about it.

[Ruth Prager]

Good heavens, Bill. What in the world happened?

[Reed Robinson]

You look so dejected.

[Bill Sutter]

I feel awful, Ruth. Everything's wrong. I wish I had the answer.

[Ruth Prager]

The answer to what?

[Bill Sutter]

Why so many Americans are narrow minded. Narrow minded?

[Ruth Prager]

Well, now, what's eating you, Bill?

[Bill Sutter]

I just come from the counsel's office of Stuttgart. I've heard him say that Americans fear the country will be overrun with foreigners. That if displaced persons are allowed to enter, they'll cause an excess labor market. Why, he practically admitted to me that Americans aren't willing to act like decent Christians towards these people who lived through five years of torture and misery in DP camps and concentration camps. Ruth, I refuse to believe it's the American spirit to kick a person when he's down.

[Ruth Prager]

I'm sure it's not, Bill, but These aren't normal times. Now we must have.

[Bill Sutter]

Why don't people realize what America stands to gain? If we open our doors, they won't take jobs away. Instead, they'll help fill existing labor shortages in America. Here, look at our records in the file.

[Ruth Prager]

I know, Bill. I know.

[Bill Sutter]

Here. Here, look. Silva Mardi, age 19, factory worker. Eval Rosari, 32, teacher. His wife.

[Reed Robinson]

You?

[Bill Sutter]

Landscaping and horticultural specialists. And all these others, household workers, clerks, construction workers, machinists, language specialists, research workers, farmers, nurses and babysitters. We have shortages in every one of these jobs in America today.

[Ruth Prager]

I'm counting on you.

[Bill Sutter]

Huh? What'd you say?

[Ruth Prager]

I'm counting on you. In two or three days, I'm counting on you to take a trip to Washington, talk to some senators and congressmen.

[Bill Sutter]

How'd you know I was planning to do that?

[Ruth Prager]

Were you?

[Bill Sutter]

I certainly was. Good.

[Ruth Prager]

Oh, that. Someone's at the door.

[Bill Sutter]

Come in.

[Ruth Prager]

Excuse me.

[Bill Sutter]

It's all right, Irene. Come in.

[Ruth Prager]

Excuse me, Mr. Stutters. Ms. Craver. I just finished answering all the questions on the questionnaire you gave me.

[Bill Sutter]

You answered all the questions?

[Ruth Prager]

All of them? 103 questions.

[Bill Sutter]

That's fine, Irene. We'll put it in the file. Mr.

[Ruth Prager]

Satisfied? I know there are lots before me, but if there's a chance, if you get to America, and there's a chance that I can come to America, please, please don't forget me, will you?

[Bill Sutter]

I would, Irene. I promise.

[Ruth Prager]

Oh, thank you, Mr.

[Bill Sutter]

Son.

[Ruth Prager]

Thank you. All right, Irene. I'm sorry to be crazy. Go ahead and cry.

[Bill Sutter]

We understand. Ruth says we understand. But do we? Do we really understand? Irene Haas, 19 years old, graduate of three concentration camps, with a diploma tattooed on her arm to prove it by the Nazis. Irene's parents were killed in the gas chamber, and she barely escaped being killed herself when the American army of Occupations freed her. She was one of 5,000 students who tried to enter the University of Heidelberg. She was lucky. She won her scholarship. She and 299 others. And now. Now all the help we've given her is over. Unra's funds are exhausted. She will be left stranded here. Stranded with 299 other displaced students, all of whom want to come to America and none of whom are America wants. I suppose that's how you decided it. How you decide to do something. To do something to really help these people.

[Reed Robinson]

You are listening to the story of a man with a cause, with Elaine McMahon as Ruth, and starring Henry Fonda in the role of Bill Sutter. The names of all characters and places are real. And all the incidents are based on actual happenings. We continue now with Henry Fonda as Bill Sutter in A Man With a Cause.

[Bill Sutter]

It is two days later, your bags are packed and you are ready to fly back to America. The mail arrives in the morning, but there is no communication from Stuttgart. No envelope with a wing spread eagle on it. No visa for the three year old boy whom you found in the deserted hospital, whom you adopted, and whom you've grown to love as much as your own son.

[Ruth Prager]

Come on, Peter.

[Bill Sutter]

Oh, here's the.

[Ruth Prager]

He's in there waiting for you. Peter senses something unusual will happen today.

[Bill Sutter]

You bet something unusual is happening today. Peter, you're going to fly with me to America. That's right, Peter. America.

[Ruth Prager]

Seriously, Bill, have you thought of.

[Bill Sutter]

I thought of punching a few holes in a suitcase, putting him in it and carrying him aboard. But that's no good.

[Ruth Prager]

Of course not. The customs men would.

[Bill Sutter]

Instead, the only other way I can think of is to wrap him up in my raincoat, carry him under my arm. People are allowed to carry their own coats aboard.

[Ruth Prager]

Say, that might work.

[Bill Sutter]

If I could only get him into the States, I'm sure they'd let him stay. They wouldn't dare send him back. If they did, I'd go to Congress. I'd do something to make them pass a bill or something.

[Ruth Prager]

That's the spirit. That's the spirit. We need to get something done in America for these displaced persons.

[Bill Sutter]

I'm a Southerner, Ruth. Stville, Mississippi's my hometown. They say it takes a little while for Southerners to get started. But once we start, you don't stop.

[Ruth Prager]

Until you get your way. I know and I know you. Oh, good heavens. You better get started for your plane.

[Bill Sutter]

Please. Goodbye, Ruth.

[Ruth Prager]

Goodbye, Bill. Bye bye.

[Bill Sutter]

I can't say all the things I want to say to you. You've been a wonderful person to work with and a real inspiration to me. Without you, I don't care anymore, Bill.

[Ruth Prager]

I understand.

[Bill Sutter]

I'll write you every day, if necessary.

[Ruth Prager]

Good. And don't forget about Washington.

[Bill Sutter]

I won't. Believe me, I won't. Come on, Peter. We're off for America. But not yet. Something happens that you didn't expect. Outside, on the steps of the university and on the campus beyond, 300 pairs of eyes look up at you. The eyes of 3, 300 students who stand there in complete silence. You gulp the impact and the meaning of your departure hits you like a sledgehammer. You recognize all these students. You know their names, everything about them. Where they come from. The Stories of their sufferings, the plight of their wanderings through the rubble and waste and wreckages of war. You know more than that. You know the pain of their despair and the anguish of their insecurity. You know the hopelessness they feel and their yearning for a life of peace and usefulness. You know all this, and you stand there speechless. You'll glance down, a tiny Peter at your side, and suddenly he becomes a symbol. A symbol of the life and the people you're leaving behind. There's no movement, no stirring on the campus. There's only a warm breeze from the east and the sun stands high in the west. You walk toward the jeep. You climb in, Peter, your bag and your raincoat. Your jeep starts moving, you wave your hand and you're gone.

[Reed Robinson]

Flight 124.

[Bill Sutter]

Time, minutes. Please check your baggage and your passport. Check Here. Stand behind the wall, Peter, so no one sees it. Now, listen very closely. This is important. Nothing must go wrong. So you've got to understand me and do exactly.

[Ruth Prager]

Look at the airplane.

[Bill Sutter]

Yes, yes, I know airplanes. But before I get you on it, you've got to listen to what I tell you. Now, I'm going to bundle you up in my raincoat and carry you under my arm. You're small enough so no one will notice you. That is, if you keep still and don't move and don't make any noise.

[Ruth Prager]

Do you understand? Peter, why you put.

[Bill Sutter]

Calling Pete Uncle Bill. I'm putting my raincoat on you so no one will see you. Understand? You have no passport. You have no visa with me.

[Ruth Prager]

Don't you?

[Reed Robinson]

Yes.

[Bill Sutter]

You need a passport to go to America, and you don't have one passport. Passport says small, but with your picture in it. Oh, it doesn't matter. You don't have one, so it's not important. That is. It is important, but it doesn't matter. Yes, yes, if you do exactly as I tell you. Here, now, let me bundle you up in this old raincoat. That's it. That's. Now, don't kick, Peter. Don't kick and don't talk. Just let me carry and we'll be all right. Okay, here we go. Hey, wait a minute.

[Reed Robinson]

Hey, mister?

[Bill Sutter]

Yes?

[Reed Robinson]

Anything?

[Bill Sutter]

Your passport.

[Reed Robinson]

Of course.

[Bill Sutter]

Here it is.

[Reed Robinson]

William. Married, two children. Citizen United States. Enra. Director Display Students at Heidelberg University. Your passport's all right. Are you traveling to the United States?

[Bill Sutter]

Yes.

[Reed Robinson]

Alone?

[Bill Sutter]

Why?

[Reed Robinson]

Don't mind.

[Bill Sutter]

Why?

[Reed Robinson]

Just answer the question.

[Bill Sutter]

You're the immigration official here, aren't you?

[Reed Robinson]

That's right.

[Bill Sutter]

My papers are in order. My passport's been stamped. My bags have been cleared.

[Reed Robinson]

What are you carrying inside?

[Bill Sutter]

That coat of yours? Now, look here, you don't have to.

[Reed Robinson]

You better come along with me.

[Bill Sutter]

No, no, no. Wait a minute, please. I can.

[Reed Robinson]

You shouldn't have done this, Mrs. Ferrett. You know it's against the law.

[Bill Sutter]

All right. I got a little boy in this raincoat here. Here he is. Take a look at him.

[Reed Robinson]

One of my men saw you behind that wall.

[Bill Sutter]

Listen to me, please. I found this child a year ago in a deserted hospital. When I first saw him, he was undernourished and his joints stuck out like knobs. He couldn't walk. He was too weak from hunger. He had no one to care for him. He had no parents, no relations. No one knew who he was or where he came from. I couldn't leave him there all alone, so I picked him up and took him with me. My job at Heidelberg is over now. I'm headed back to the States. I don't want to leave this boy alone over here. If I take him with me, I can give him a chance to grow up decently like my own children.

[Reed Robinson]

He needs a pet.

[Bill Sutter]

That may be. But more than that, he needs decent food and love and care and a chance to live the same as every other child. Don't try, Peter.

[Reed Robinson]

I can't let you take him aboard that plane.

[Bill Sutter]

Please, you must understand. He means a good great deal to me. Let me take him aboard the plane. He'll be no extra weight on the plane. He's only 30 pounds or so. Throw my baggage away. Let me take him instead of my baggage.

[Reed Robinson]

Can't go through the gate without a passport.

[Bill Sutter]

I tried to get one for him, but the quota is filled. I can't take my job if anyone finds out. Bill. Bill.

[Ruth Prager]

Ruth said it came a few minutes after you left. The passport. The passport for cleared. You hear that?

[Bill Sutter]

You hear that, officer?

[Reed Robinson]

A passport.

[Bill Sutter]

It for Peter. From Reed Robinson.

[Reed Robinson]

From Washington.

[Bill Sutter]

From the people of the United States. It's the first one. Come on, Peter. We're headed for a land that's going to give you a chance to live. A chance that you never had before. You are aboard a plane that speeds westward, flying high above the clouds and far below the sky. The drone of its four motors din monotonously in your ears. Your eyes are heavy. Your body is tired. But you've accomplished something this afternoon that you're proud of. Peter. Peter is at your side. This baby, this orphan, this displaced child is en route to America. He's the first displaced person whom You've helped to bring to America Symbol of those who remain behind. Those victims of persecution who wait in VP camps with no future. Those displaced persons who are without homes, without help, without hope. Your plane races west, but your thoughts are of your students in the East. You remember their names and how they told you their stories.

[Ruth Prager]

My name is Silva madist. I am 19 years old. I am an Estonian. The Germans invaded my country in nineteen nineteen forty four. When they came to my town, they. They picked me off the street. They forced me into a truck and drove me to the harbor. And they shipped me to southern Germany to work hours a day in an airplane factory. I lived in a. In a horrible slave labor camp. 35 people in one small room. Resistance meant a concentration camp or a bullet. I have no fear future in Europe anymore. Will America give me a chance? I know I can make a good American citizen if I were only given a chance. Will you help me, Mr. Feather?

[Reed Robinson]

Stephan to my name. I'm 37 and I'm a Lithuanian.

[Bill Sutter]

I used to write books for children and later I worked with the Red Cross. I, my wife and my child were.

[Reed Robinson]

Sent by the Germans to Schwarzwald, near Baden Baden. They were forced to work as slave laborers in a small parts factory. The factory and the railroads in the whole town were bombed by the Americans. And all of us were glad.

[Ruth Prager]

The south of.

[Reed Robinson]

We would like to go to America. I could work in a factory or on a farm or any place to support my family. Could you help us, please?

[Ruth Prager]

Irene. Ha. And I'm 20 years old. Fought against the Germans. I was in the resistance movement from the beginning. I was captured twice, but I escaped only once. The second time they put my father, my mother and me into a concentration camp. They murdered my father and mother in a gas chamber. They almost murdered me. I want to study bacteriology and be a chemist in America. I can speak English, I can type and I can translate many foreign languages.

[Bill Sutter]

You are an American and you are flying back home after spending a year with displaced students at Heidelberg. You know the stories of three. And they are only a handful compared to the million displaced persons who are living in Europe. All of whom seek a new life in a new land. You think of America and what it can do when it makes up its mind. You think how Americans and manufacture a million planes, build 100,000 ships and transport and supply 12 million soldiers on five continents in time of war. An overpowering task. You think of unrwa, America's great humanitarian effort which sent millions of tons of food and thousands of Carloads of clothing to war torn areas in time of peace. You think of all these tremendous accomplishments because America has not yet faced up to the simple problem of helping those people who have the greatest need to be helped. Displaced persons. You have studied the facts. You know the figures. Displaced persons represent almost all religions. Some 80% are Christians of various denominations. 20% are Jews. More than half of the displaced persons are women and children. There are 150,000 children below the age of 17. Of these, 70,000 are under six years of age, like Peter. We could do something to help these people. We could do something. Right now in our Congress, there are two bills up for passing 100,000 to 200,000 displaced persons instead of the 400,000 that we're able to care for at the present time. But we must deal with reality. We must have immediate action. We must offer a haven and refuge for these people. Right now. Would you like to know what I did a few days after my plane landed in the United States? I flew to Washington and I saw my congressmen and senators. I wrote to other congressmen and to other senators. I told them what I saw, what I knew, what I felt. They listened and they promised support. You can do the same thing. You can write your congressman and senator a simple letter, explained. Explain in your own words what you think, what you feel, what you want done about admitting displaced persons to America. Later, perhaps bring in 400,000 displaced persons. But right now, let's really make an effort to relieve the suffering that's going on in Europe. Let's open up our hearts and be generous and considerate. Let's show the rest of the world that America is on the side of humanity, not only in thought, but in action. My fellow countrymen, will you join me in writing to your congressman? Will you please? It's very important. Oh, by the way, besides Peter, who came back to America with me, I worked pretty hard and I've been lucky enough to get 55 of my 300 students into America. Everyone who's met them says, no question about it, they'll make fine Americans. Now, my goal is to. And then 400,000 more.

[Reed Robinson]

You have been listening to A Man With a Cause, written and directed by Mitchell Grayson and produced by Ted hudis with Alene McMahon as Ruth and starring Henry Fonda as Bill Sutter. Featured players in our cast were Augusta Dabney, Theresa Keane, Sarah Fussell, Ed Jerome and Joe DeSantis. Original music composed and conducted by Isidore Zier. Legislation Fair share of displaced persons is endorsed by many national labor civic, educational, and religious organizations, including American Federation of Labor, Congress of Industrial Organizations, American Legion, Catholic War Veterans, Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, National Catholic Welfare Conference, the major national Jewish Organization, National Conference of Union Labor, Legionnaires United, Council of American Veteran Organizations, and hundreds of others. This program was presented under the auspices of the Citizens Committee on Displaced Persons, whose board of directors include Major General William J. Donovan, James A. Farley, Ms. Virginia Gildersleeve, Herbert H. Lehman, Philip Murray, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Edward R. Satinius, Charles P. Tat, Barry Bingham, and Earl G. Harrison, Chairman.