740.0011 European War 1939/3215: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
462. Please ask the Belgian Ambassador to transmit the following message from the President to King Leopold:
“I have received Your Majesty’s message from the battlefield and hasten to assure you of the deep sympathy which goes out from the American people to Belgium in its heroic cattle for freedom and integrity and to the women and children and old people of your country who are the tragic victims of a brutal invasion.
“Americans, individuals and private organizations, aware of this unprecedented emergency, have not hesitated as the shocking reports of appalling suffering, widespread distress and wanton devastation have poured in from the war zone. Funds spontaneously contributed by the American public were immediately allotted by the American Red Cross for the special relief of the desperately suffering refugees of Belgium and France. Further sums were assigned by the Red Cross for the purchase of ambulances, medical supplies, emergency field hospitals and other immediate necessities of your stricken people.
“American organizations abroad have sprung into action and are now straining all their resources to shelter, feed and clothe the civilian sick, the wounded and the destitute. Red Cross chapters throughout this country are working overtime to speed up their production of surgical dressings, blankets and articles of clothing.
“I cite these examples in order to reassure Your Majesty that the people of the United States are deeply conscious of the suffering and [Page 205] despair of innocent non-combatants and are directing their every resource to the relief of the millions of human beings who are being engulfed in misery. Americans, who, through God’s will, have been spared the horrors of war, are thoroughly conscious of their moral duty to stem with compassion and humanitarian assistance the tide of destitution which is sweeping over other parts of the world.
“I am certain that I can speak for the American people when I say to you, in reply to your appeal, that they are prepared to respond quickly and generously in this tragic time. Franklin D. Roosevelt.”