861.48/1503

The Chairman of the American Relief Administration ( Hoover ) to the Secretary of State

Dear Mr. Secretary: Please find enclosed herewith copy of the telegram which I settled with you by telephone this morning. Also a copy of the telegram which we received, which had already appeared in the press.

Yours faithfully,

Herbert Hoover
[Enclosure 1—Telegram]

The London Office of the American Relief Administration to the Chairman of the American Relief Administration ( Hoover )

Riga transmits following from Maxim Gorky presented by representative Soviet Government in Latvia:

“July 28th. I have transmitted your proposal to the Soviet Government seeing that the Soviet Government alone can discuss the conditions contained therein. I have received from the Soviet Government the following reply for transmission to you:

‘The Russian Government has acquainted itself with the proposal of Mr. Hoover made in the name of the American Relief Administration and finds this proposal quite acceptable as to its basis including the release of the American prisoners. The Russian Government considers it desirable as soon as possible to fix the precise conditions on which this association will begin immediate relations of its humane intentions to guarantee the feeding, medical treatment and clothing of a million children and invalids. For that purpose the Russian Government would consider it useful that Director Brown or another person invested with full powers should carry out negotiations and should immediately come to Moscow, Riga or Reval. The Russian Soviet Government awaits a speedy reply as to the place and date of these negotiations. Signed, Chairman of the Commission of the All Russian Central Executive Committee for Helping the Famine Stricken Population, Kameneff. [’]

Signed, Maxim Gorky”

[No signature indicated]
[Page 810]
[Enclosure 2—Telegram]

The Chairman of the American Relief Administration ( Hoover ) to the London Office of the American Relief Administration

For Brown. As to cable forwarded through you from Mr. Gorky, of July 28th, would be glad if you would proceed at once to Riga. It is of course to be assumed that the prisoners will have been delivered out of Russia as demanded by the State Department before you open discussions. You will recognize that such a course is the most primary evidence of willingness to assure life and liberty of our staff. You will please advise Messrs Gorky and Kameneff.

Hoover