868.51 Refugee Settlement
Commission/157
Mr. Ernest J. Swift
of the American Red Cross to the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs, Department of State (Dulles)
Washington, November 23,
1923.
My Dear Mr. Dulles: Enclosed you will find a
cable sent by Mr. Morgenthau from Athens to the American Red Cross,
dated November 22, 1923, which may be of interest to the State
Department. We have sent him a simple acknowledgment by post.
Yours very sincerely
[Enclosure]
The Chairman of the Refugee Settlement
Commission (Morgenthau) to the
Chairman of the American Red Cross (Payne)
Athens [undated].
[Received November 22,
1923.]
Highest appreciation constantly expressed here for recent Red Cross
assistance. Greeks implore for its renewal to prevent wholesale
starvation this winter. Refugees still unplaced. Our commission
prevented by its organic statutes from expending its funds for
temporary relief. Greek government financially unable to cope with
entire situation hence this emergency. A few million so easily
obtained in America will save situation and help Greece in her
gallant struggle to absorb one million of its destitute Christian
brothers. Greek government has drawn heavily on her resources in
permanently settling quarter of million refugees. More than seven
hundred thousand penniless sparsely dressed refugees are still
inhumanely huddled in theatres, churches, schools, camps. Our
commission hopeful accomplishing its task if some noble charity will
keep refugees alive until spring.
