Changes and the Search for New Solutions (Spring 1946–Spring 1947)

Abstract

The situation of the remaining refugees changed significantly as the relationship between Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union deteriorated from spring 1946 to spring 1947. As the rift between the former wartime allies grew, the refugees’ issues of repatriation and political asylum gained prominence on the international agenda. Both East and West felt increasing pressure to resolve the refugee situation, albeit for different reasons. They charged the newly-created United Nations with the task, and within a year the International Refugee Organization (IRO) was formed.