New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-11-11
Situation Grave From Baltic
TO Black Sea, According
to Sir David Henderson.
Head of New League
doctor to 1O,OOOPeople
Lack of Medical Supplies
Seriously Hampers Work
in Poland and Balkans

From the Baltic to the Black Sea
there RACES . typhus plague in belt
Of Eastern Europe that probably is as
serious as e1y condition since the mid
die ages. The situation is far too grave
Tor the Red Cross societies of the
world to cope with. 1t is only right
that the governments of Europe should
come to the assistance Of THE stricken
people, and we have requested them to
do So"
Sir David Henderson, director gen
eral OF the newly formed League of
Red Cross Societies of the World, made
his statement last night in the home
Of H P. Dawson, 900 Park Avenue. He
arrived Yesterday on the Baltic for a
two weeks stav in this country to COM
plete the plans OF organization Of the
league.
The situation looks so black" he
Ndded, that there is every possibility
IF II spreading to Hungary and Aus
'rin where the people are destitute and
detected. It already embraces Lthu-
snia, Esthonia. Poland, Ukrainia. Ser
bia and the Balkan states. There is a
serious lack OF supplies to fight the
plague. besides the grave shortage of
medical aid. In Poland there is but
one doctor to every 10000 people"
Speaking of the organization of the
league. which is still in process of
formation. Sir David said seven bu-
reaus have been formed at the head
quarters in Geneva. They ere the
tureau, Malaria Bureau, tuberculosis
bureau, Other Communicable Diseases
bureau, and the Office of Vital Stats
.ics.
To Publish Discoveries
We hope 20 establish demonstra-
ion laboratory in Geneva" he said.
w .tn the aid OF this we will be able
IN demonstrate any new discovery in
me treatment of disease in any coun-
hat il member Of the league.
With this laboratory representa-
ives Of the medical profession from
every part of the world can come and
observe the latest Developments in
-heir particular domain. In addition
% this the league will collect all de-
'ails OF discoveries aud new treat
.nents. and then publish them in con-
'enicnt form for the benefit of all"
Sir David said the time had not yet
errlved to give the full details OF the
leagues organization, as it had not
'eeN competed. lnc American Red
cross Society is the backbone Of the
league,' he said, "snd q great major
ty c. its personnel in Geneva is
American. | could wish for none bet
ter.
While am here. ] am going to con-
c. with Dr. Farrand in Washington.
nd hope to see the workings Of the
American Red Cross, which has been
he model for the organization of the
sorld league. The American society
rad the advantage OF starting late, and
proH.ed by the mistakes of others,
ut 1t has surprised the others to such
n extent that in Europe it has over
aado wed everything.
Full Progress Next Year
"One of our creates. difficulties in
organizing the league was due to the
imited nature of most OF the Red
cross Society charters. The majority
- the European societies were organ
zed under the Geneva convention to
i've aid TO humanity in war time only
he British charter. for instance, was
.ery limited Steps have been taken
however. to extend its scope 70 peace
inc effort.
by next year there will be nothing
the way of full progress in peace
me Red Cross work being carried
out"
Nir DaVld sald that members OF the
American Red Cross were already &C
'rely at work in Poland fighting the
,aerc. and we're being aided by mem
Ners OF the British society. Australia
as made & large donation 70 assist in
&c work. as has Spain. France is
ow considering bill before its legis-
allure 20 grant government aid in the
FORK, he said.
ST. David was lieutenant general In
ne regular British army. During the
var ne became director OF the Army
Flying Corps, and on the ANA lgamation
# all the British aerial forces, he or
sanized the air force and air ministry
before reverting back to the army.