Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume IV

860D.48/1–2545: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of Mission in Finland ( Higgs )¹⁹

Washington , January 25, 1945—8 p.m.

4. Department and President’s War Relief Control Board²⁰ have been receiving numerous inquiries in regard to possibility of sending relief supplies to Finland. American Red Cross particularly would like to send such supplies, primarily for women and children, provided distribution could be undertaken by a Finnish organization and Amcross²¹ could send a limited number of its own representatives to act as observers. As regards any programs developed under PWRCB supervision, Board also would wish to have distribution made by Finnish organization. Private agencies concerned might likewise wish to send observers to Finland.

Please endeavor to ascertain and report whether such assistance desired, whether above conditions could be met, and if so type of supplies considered essential immediately. Your recommendations as to manner of initiating program, number of personnel needed, et cetera, would be welcomed. In any discussions on this subject care should be taken not to convey impression that large scale programs are contemplated since demands in other areas, shipping and supply difficulties, et cetera, probably would restrict such programs to those more or less of a token character.

Grew

19. L. Randolph Higgs was appointed Secretary of Mission in Finland on December 6, 1944, and he arrived in Helsinki on January 16, 1945.
20. The President’s War Relief Control Board (PWRCB) was established by Executive Order No. 9205, July 25, 1942. It was authorized to control all solicitations, sales of merchandise or services, collections, receipts, and distribution of funds and contributions for (1) charities for foreign and domestic relief and rehabilitation, reconstruction and welfare arising from war-created needs in the United States or in foreign countries, (2) refugee relief, (3) relief of civilian population of the United States affected by enemy action, or (4) relief and welfare of Armed Forces of the United States and their dependents.
21. American Red Cross.