File No. 891.48/33
The Minister in Persia ( Caldwell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 23, 12.45 p.m.]
Repetition [of my] January 14, 5 p.m.1 Your cipher telegram January 10, 6 p.m. Relief needs urgent for different cities. Report several deaths daily. Limited amount of wheat, rice, foodstuffs could be purchased throughout the provinces through the Persian Government, which fixes prices. Medical supplies would be most difficult. Importation of foodstuffs and supplies impracticable if not impossible. Prices exorbitant, wheat $15 to $20 per bushel. Distribution could be made through local American missionaries and existing committees. Persian citizens and authorities cooperating but task too great for them alone. One local organization spends $20,000 monthly in Teheran but cares for only 10 per cent of city’s needy. Conditions are similar in all the provinces.
- Not printed.↩