861.48/1438
The Secretary of State to the Yugoslav Minister (Grouitch)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of April 28th, in which you refer to a communication addressed by you on July 1st last to the State Department, requesting that the Government of the United States render assistance to Russian refugees now living in the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. I notice that you call my attention to the fact that the Government of the United States was unable to comply with this request and that you now make a further request in behalf of your Government for some 45,000 Russian refugees who are now on the Island of Lemnos and on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
I have communicated your request to the Honorable Herbert Hoover in his capacity of Chairman of the American Relief Administration and of the European Relief Council, and have today received a reply from him explaining that the funds of the American Relief Administration are solely for the relief of children and that this organization is today furnishing food and clothing for upwards of 200,000 Russian children, including children in Turkey. He calls attention to the existence of other agencies for the relief of adult refugees including an association in the United States called the American Central Committee for Russian Relief, under the leadership of Princess Cantacuzene, which is raising money for the support of these refugees. He concludes by saying that the American Red Cross and the Committee for Relief in the Near East have also been expending their funds in support of the Russian refugees in Turkey and that he does not feel that any further aid can be given.
While deeply sympathizing with those refugees in their present condition and hoping that some means may be found to render them assistance, I regret to have to inform you that the Government of the United States is not in a position to comply with your request.
Accept [etc.]