868.48/142: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Harvey)
297. Your 434 September 26, 5 p.m.
Inform British Foreign Office of this Government’s great interest in the step which His Majesty’s Government has taken to assist in the relief of refugees in Asia Minor. It has taken occasion informally to bring to the attention of American relief societies the initiative of the British Government in this regard as well as the latter’s expressed willingness to take further steps and to make substantial advances of funds should other countries also contribute toward the relief work.
Through the instrumentality of various American relief societies, funds and supplies representing a contribution of approximately $300,000 have been made available for the relief of refugees. This sum is in addition to a governmental appropriation of $200,000 to be expended under direction of Secretary of State through Consul Heizer which will be available for the relief and repatriation of destitute American citizens and their relatives. American emergency relief units have been sent to Rodosto, Mudania and Brussa, as well as Smyrna, a number of vessels have already been chartered for the evacuation of the refugees, and American destroyers are participating in this work.
Also advise Foreign Office that a copy of their note is being communicated to the American High Commission[er] at Constantinople who has already informed this Government of the plans of the British Representative at Constantinople to facilitate the work of relief and stated that he was in close consultation with his Allied Colleagues in coordinating this work.
Repeat your 434 September 26, 5 p.m. and the above to High Commission, Constantinople.