File No. 811.142/1504
The Chargé in Turkey (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 29, 11 a. m.]
1680. [Constantinople] Red Cross desires following message delivered to Bicknell, American Red Cross, Washington:
Doctor Ward was unable proceed Beirut. Arrive Constantinople. Turkish Government now welcomes help and through Minister of Interior authorizes American Red Cross cooperating with Red Crescent to conduct relief work for civilians of all races. Great suffering throughout country, particularly at Constantinople and suburbs along shores of Marmora, at Adrianople, Brusa, and Smyrna. These regions 500,000 not comprising Armenian refugees, need help for bread. Hundreds dying of starvation. No relief in sight. Sugar, petroleum oil at famine prices. Typhus is spreading, high mortality. For immediate relief $50,000 estimated required for Constantinople chapter administration before May 1 to procure foodstuffs. For more permanent relief suggest importation supplies by sea from Roumania and America. Neutrality guaranteed by American Red Cross to Entente powers. Distribution controlled by Constantinople chapter through agencies, soup kitchens and dispensary. Some can pay cost price and industrial work proposed; for others appeal Rockefeller Foundation, Morgenthau, Dodge, Crane, Barton, Philadelphia Citizens’ Relief.