File No. 811.142/1630

The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary ( Penfield ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

1300. Your 1231, May 17.1 For Red Cross. Following is summary agreement signed. May 31 by Stuart and Military Governor General, Belgrade:

In view large and valuable shipments for relief [of] population [in] occupied parts [of] Serbia from America and Roumania, four delegates of American Red Cross permitted distribution interior. Names must be submitted to military Governor General as in Ryan’s case, former reserving the right to accept or [Page 921] decline them without giving reason therefor. Each delegate to be assigned certain number circuits, may travel freely along railway line of same, but not others. Delivery and distribution of relief goods to circuit relief committee over which delegate shall have control must take place presence circuit commander. No goods to be sold. Loading, storage, transportation, and necessary assistance provided for by military government. Goods will be especially marked as property American Red Cross and must not be disposed of until arrival delegate at place of distribution. Protocol to be drawn in duplicate on distribution relief, copy given to delegate after distribution all supplies to population. Circuit relief committee shall send summarized account of goods distributed in principal place of circuit and localities of circuit along railway line of goods sent for distribution to district committees to Governor General Belgrade and Red Cross delegate. Circuit commands will transmit all en claire telegrams of delegates bearing on relief action of American Red Cross to respective circuits. Circuit command shall provide accommodation and provender for Red Cross delegates.

Agreement above outlined permits four American Red Cross delegates distribute supplies interior Serbia similar to relief Belgrade. Arrangement is apparently practical and satisfactory. In addition to Doctor Ryan, names of three additional men should be furnished for submission to competent authorities. They should be capable and tactful and must speak German. Venture to urge early reply indicating date and amount increased shipments this basis.

Penfield
  1. Not printed.