840.48/3201a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany (Kirk)

176. In your discretion please discuss with the appropriate German authorities the difficulties now being encountered by the American Red Cross in the matter of relief in Poland. For details see Department’s 167, January 23, 11 p.m.1 You may point out that the requests of the American Red Cross in nowise involve any lack of confidence in the German Red Cross, but represent a normal procedure where responsibility is assumed toward executive committee, donors, et cetera. Norman Davis2 has had a long talk with Thomsen3 who volunteered to send a telegram to his Government urging it to accept the American Red Cross viewpoint; Thomsen suggested that at the same time we authorize you to make an official approach.

Hull
  1. Not printed. The American Red Cross sought assurances that its delegate would be permitted to cooperate with the German Red Cross in receiving and allocating supplies for impartial distribution through Polish agencies. It requested that it be given adequate receipts for the supplies that had already been delivered. (840.48/3199)
  2. Chairman of the American Red Cross.
  3. Hans Thomsen, German Chargé.