868.48/96: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the High Commissioner at Constantinople ( Bristol )
133. Department’s 122 September 15, 5 p.m.14 and 131 September 19, 10 a.m.15
Press reports today indicate that only relief work being carried on in Smyrna is by Near East Relief, Red Cross and your destroyers and that only foreign forces ashore are American sailors. Please confirm this report and advise Department immediately (1) what relief stores are available for distribution if funds were forthcoming; (2) whether any provision could be made for caring for refugees in Greece or the Aegean Islands if facilities for evacuation were at hand.
Advise Department frankly and fully of facilities which you need in order that this Government may do its full part and more if necessary in helping to meet tragic situation at Smyrna as described by press reports received yesterday and today.