900 FOREIGN: RELATIONS, 1950, VOLUME I

to admit people in this category: (For a full analysis of domestic com-
ment, see Annex 4? of this paper. )

_ Foreign Reaction | |

_ Abroad, the pringipal reaction has been in those countries where
the impact of the immigration sections of the Act has been immediately
felt (Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain). (For a fuller analysis of
foreign, public and official reaction to the Act, see Annex 17 7 this
paper. ) ,

-This impact has arisen from the provisions sof the law excluding,
except. by special action of the Attorney General, former members
or affiliates of totalitarian parties or organizations, especially in Aus-
tria, Germany and Italy. It. has also struck Spain, which has been
found to be a totalitarian dictatorship within the meaning of the Act.

Press reaction in these countries, other than on the part of the
Communist press, has been one of shock, surprise, and ‘resentment.
Normally friendly newspapers have included comment ridiculing the
United States and making sarcastic references to professed American
intentions. _ |

Comment abroad has not been limited to that appearing in the
public press. Officials in both Austria and Germany have informally
conveyed to our representatives in those countries their concern at
the adverse psychological effects of the Act.

The Italian Government has formally and officially protested at
the operation of the immigration sections of the Act.

Although none of the governments directly affected have formally
indicated that they might retaliate against the United States unless
the immigration sections of the Act are modified, it is fully within
the realm of possibility that they might do so. Italy, for example,
might. abrogate the 1948 exchange of letters regarding passport visas.
Both Spain and. Italy. might throw difficulties in the way of Protestant
missionaries seeking entry into these countries for temporary visits or
permanent residence. (For a fuller analysis of foreign public and
official reaction to the Act, see Annex 1 7 to this paper. yo

_ Harmful Effects on U.S. Programs
_ The immigration sections of the Act have already had: an adverse
effect upon certain U.S. policies and programs in the field of foreign
relations. (For a fuller analysis of the effect of the Act on the conduct
of U.S. foreign relations, see Annex 2? of this paper. y.

- While the operation of the Act has undermined United States
prestige and influence i in many. parts of the world, its effect on. United

7 Not printed.