868.48/83: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol)

116. Your 168, September 6, noon, has been communicated to Red Cross. Department had already received urgent appeal from Smyrna, which had been presented to Red Cross and Near East Relief with suggestion that they cooperate in meeting the emergency. Replies have now been received from both. Red Cross intimates, provisionally and before receipt of your 168, that in absence of Chairman and in view of arrangement with Near East Relief as to respective spheres of action, further consideration will be necessary. Near East Relief says that Constantinople office has been authorized to contribute to the value of $25,000 and that Red Cross is being urged to consider Smyrna emergency as within its proper sphere.

Phillips