Intergovernmental Committee on European Migration, 1953-1954

Component identifier:

Series 35

Content Summary:

Originally known as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe, the Intergovernmental Committee on European Migration (I.C.E.M.) was formed in Brussels in 1951 by countries seeking European immigrants. In April 1953 at the 5th session of the I.C.E.M. which was conducted in Spanish and held in Geneva, Copland, the Australian delegate was elected chairman. Series 35 relates almost entirely to his preparation and attendance at the Geneva Conference.

The bulk of the series consists of correspondence and cables between Copland and Tasman Heyes of the Department of Immigration. Other correspondents include Piere Jacobsen, Hugh Gibson, and the European League for Economic Cooperation, R.L. Harry and Patrick Shaw. Also included is background material from the Department, processed summary reports of individual sessions, the Director's Report, the draft final report and draft constitution, copies of some of Copland's statements, his Australian delegation report, and a photograph.

Finally, there is some later correspondence and cables with Sylvia Baverstock and Pierre Jacobsen of I.C.E.M. and the Department of Immigration concerning the 6th session, held in Venice in October 1953.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Lady Copland presented the personal papers of Sir Douglas Copland to the National Library in September 1973. Additions to the collection were received from the Copland Family between 1977 and 1981.

Names:

Copland, D.B. (Douglas Berry), 1894-1971

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