OFFICE OF GOVERNOR WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS JR. January 16, 1981 - For Immediate Release: Proposed relocation of Cuban refugees into East Texas has been delayed pending firm assurances the refugees can be gainfully employed, properly housed and assimilated in area communities, Governor Bill Clements said today. The Governor said he has been informed of a meeting held by his staff members with a representative of a relocation agency and federal resettlement assistance officials earlier this week, and is generally pleased with results. "According to the agreement by Ron Meers, head of Bellevue Missions Inter- national, who originally proposed the relocation of 150 to 300 Cubans in East Texas, there will be no resettlement until we are assured that there are jobs, homes and community acceptance for the refugees," the Governor stated. "I remain opposed to largescale resettlement of refugees in any area of our state, pending such assurances," the Governor continued. "As chief executive officer of the state, it is my duty to assure that all resettlement efforts have specific sponsorship, jobs, local support and evidence that proper services can be supplied." Governor Clements said it is regrettable that exaggerated reports of the East Texas resettlement proposal were circulated. "I urge fellow Texans to remain cool until all the facts are known," he said. "As Governor, . I will take every step to assure that there are no unreasonable resettlement operations which would cause hardships on the local communities and the refugees themselves."
