868.48/180a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol)
183. The President yesterday issued the following statement regarding relief work in the Near East:
“A recognized and most appealing emergency exists in the Near East. After full conference it is unanimously agreed that the American Red Cross and the Near East Relief, two governmentally recognized agencies, are the logical instrumentalities through which this relief may be extended and it is a manifest duty that they should take care of the situation. It has been decided that these two organizations will take care of the situation jointly. In a campaign of most cordial cooperation they will command the facilities for most efficient ministration.
In order to meet the situation there is created a special fund to be known as ‘Near East Emergency Fund.’ This special fund is to be raised by a nation-wide appeal, which appeal is endorsed and will be engaged in by the American Red Cross, the Near East Relief, the Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., the Federal Council of Churches, the Knights of Columbus, the American Relief Administration, the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and other organizations having interest in the Near East.
Money may be sent to Eliot Wadsworth, treasurer, of the American Red Cross, Washington, D. C; Cleveland H. Dodge, treasurer, Near East Relief, 151 Fifth Avenue, New York; or the Literary Digest, 354 Fourth Avenue, New York. A special emphasis and appeal for funds will be made during the roll call of the American Red Cross in November. Checks in each instance shall be made payable to the Near East Emergency Fund.
A special committee has been named to assist in the emergency joint appeal, consisting of the heads of the organizations above mentioned. This special committee consists of Mr. Will H. Hays, chairman; Judge John Barton Payne, of the American Red Cross; Dr. James L. Barton, of the Near East Relief; R. J. Cudihy, of the Literary Digest; John L. Flaherty, of the Knights of Columbus; Dr. John R. Mott, of the Y. M. C. A.; Mrs. John French, of the Y. W. C. A.; Dr. Robert E. Speer, of the Federal Council of Churches; Felix Warburg, of the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and Herbert Hoover, of the American Relief Administration.
The relief already afforded will be followed at once by the most prompt ministration which the American Red Cross and Near East Relief can bestow in coordinated efforts, proceeding on the assumption that the heart of the American people will respond generously in enabling these agencies of relief to meet the crying emergency.”
Repeat to Athens as Depts 70.