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Royall Tyler to Robert Woods Bliss, February 27, 1950

67 rue de Lille67 rue de Lille, the former Hôtel Duret, constructed in 1872–1874 by David de Pénanrun. Beginning in January 1949, the building served as the Parisian headquarters of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Paris VII

27 Feb. 1950

Dear Robert.

I am told the job of US member of the advisory commission (Palestine Refugee Works Agency)The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territory. This agency was established on December 8, 1949. is being given to one BlandfordJohn B. Blandford Jr. (1918–1969), an American administrator who was the U.S. representative to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and its second director between 1951 and 1953. Blandford served as general manager of the Tennessee Valley Authority, chairman of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, and deputy chief of the U.S. Economic Cooperation Administration in Greece. (a former T.V.A. man), or at least that the State Dept. intends to propose this to the Senate.

Perhaps there may be, in the Agency, some other post for which I might be considered? I suppose, however, that straight Agency jobs will be in the gift of the Director.The first director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was Howard Kennedy, a Canadian who served between 1950 and 1951. Is it confirmed that he is to be a “colonial,” as you were told?

Any dope on all these problems would be very welcome. I am most grateful, dear Robert, for your interest and the pains you’ve taken.

With all love to you & Mildred

Yrs

R. T.

 
Associated Places: Paris (France)