Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-09-03
POSITION Of j. s.
. RELIEF EXPLAINED
BY DAVID LAWRENCE
(Leased Wire Service to The Journal.)
Copyright, 1921

Copyright 1921
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1. - The
United States government IS making
1t clear to the governments Of Eu-
rope that the American relief ad-
ministration which has undertaken
to help Russia is a non-governmental
institution and that it would be
preferable If the whole relief project
were stripped of any governmental
aspect whatsoever.
The supreme council recently voted
to Cooperate with the United States
government on Russian relief, believ-
ing the American government had
been negotiating with the soviet gov
eminent. This misunderstanding
arose because Secretary Hoover is a
member of President Harding's cab
met and is, at the same time, head
of the American relief administra-
tion. Mr.. Hoover entered the Har-
ding cabinet with the understanding
that he be permitted to carry on the
relief work in Europe and Mr.. Har-
ding consented to the arrangement.
But even if there were no doubt
about the absolute separation, which
is a consolidation of charitable or
CARNATIONS. the European govern
ments probably would have propos-
ed governmental relief. There are
United States government thinks the
relief project should be kept as far
as possible out of the realm of gov
eminent. In the first place, the
chances of breeding misunderstand-
ing in Russia by. permitting an al
around Russia under the pretense of
studying relief, but with the object
Of getting data wherewith to handle
the political situation are recognized
here.
Soviet Propaganda
Secondly, the soviet government
has been endeavoring for some time
to enter into diplomatic relations
with other governments on one pre-
text or another so as to give the
impression inside Russia that the
soviet program is being recognized
throughout the world. Those who
believe the soviet methods must must
way to insure the establishment of
a good government in Russia with
which the rest Of the world can deal
is to leave the situation to the Rus
SLAMS themselves to develop without
side interference.
when the relief project was first
preached to America even the Rus
SLAMS had an idea that it would mean
the resumption of relations with the
American government. The Depart
ment of state did take hand In
the proceedings to the extent of ad-
vising the American relief admins
tration that the Washington govern
ment wanted all American prisoners
released before relief work should
begin, and this was respected. Now,
however, the American government
takes no further part in the nego-
ton or the execution of relief plans.
All the American charitable organi.
cations interested in Russian relief
have been united under the direction
of General Haskell.
1t is the firm intention of the
American relief administration to
cooperation with any allied effort,
but under no circumstances will
American charities be turned over
to Europeans for administrator.
Each nation wanting to help RuS-
STA can do so on its own responslo Dill
ity and will find America ready to
coordinate so as to prevent over
tapping. But the men who nave
raised funds from the American peo-
pIe have a responsibility to the don-
ors which the American RELIEF ad-
ministration feels 1t eannos, noie'
Americas purposes in Russian re-
lief are wholly non-political. me
United States government under
stands that the American RELIEF ad-
ministration is not interested in car
rying an any propaganda Tor OF
against sovietism or with respect TO
any other political phase of the Rus
sian situation. There are those who
think the European habit of mixing
international politics with relief prof.
ects would find expression In the
present instance and that tie-up
of the American machinery with that
of the European governments would
mean a loss to the American project
in sentimental value and funds might
not be as readily obtainable.
While the European powers nave
lust appointed a committee to go to
Russia and study the situation, the
American relief project is under
way. Fifteen men have been sent
into all parts of the country to re-
port on the true state of affairs;
Estimates vary as to the number OF
persons in distress all the way from
ten to fifty million.
Secretary Hoover is inclined to be-
lieye that the Russian problem has
gone far beyond the reach of char
ity. 1t is said that nine million chill
dren are starving. The American
relief administration has undertaken
to help one million but If the num-
Der of people affected by the famine
is fifty million none Of the relief
projects will be adequate. The facts
should be available within a fort
night.