The New York herald., 1921-08-19
TO CONTROL
Vessels Ready to Carry Food
Supplies for Russia
to Danzig.
HARDING DEMANDS UNITY
Urges That Distribution Be
Carried Out Through One
Organization.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18.-A satisfac-
tory agreement has been reached with
the Soviet authorities at Riga under
which the American relief administra-
ton will begin Immediately to fight
famine among the children of Russia,
Secretary Hoover announced to-day.
The agreement, he added, accepts the
conditions laid down by the American
organization for safeguarding the lives
of relief workers and insuring Ameri-
can control of food supplies.
While the negotiations have come
to successful conclusion, the Secre-
tary explained, it may be day or two
before a formal agreement is signed.
Important details, such as means of
transportation and location of serious
famine areas. remain to be worked out,
he said. before the final document is
drafted.
The work of food relief in Russia will
begin at once, Mr.. Hoover declared.
administration was already preparing
vessels to rush supplies to Danzig for
transshipment into Russia. The quantity
of food. however. which will be needed,
it is understood. cannot be determined
until survey OF Russian famine con-
ditions is made.
1t is expected the supplies will be the
same as were used in relief work among
1s.l - ~. -.
comprising lighter and more easily di-
gestible diet than Is necessary for adults
and probably including condensed milk.
sugar. pork. flour. cocoa, beans and rice.
can depend upon the country for local
vegetables.
letter from President Harding in
dorsing the effort to mitigate famine In
Russia and asking unity OF the relief
work In one American organization was
made public by Mr.. Hoover.
MY particular purpose in addressing
this letter to you" the President said,
rs to emphasize my wish that the dis
tribution in Russia of all charity arising
In the United States should be carried
on through one American organization.
II is only through single American rep
resentation and administration that we
can assure TO both American and Rus
sian people tho best service in the use
OF their funds.
II am asking the Department OF State
to cooperate in directing that passports
be given for travel in Russia only to
persons who may be in the service Of
the American Relief Association.
1T is also of Importance that the
American people should be protected so
far as we can do so from those persons
who may wish to thrive on great disas-
ters by creating unnecessary organiza-
tions TO collect charity"
The Presidents letter was transmitted
by Mr. Hoover to the childrens relief
organization composing the European
body was called for early next week to
consider joint arrangements to be under
taken for Russian administration.
The council is composed of the Amer
ican Relief Administration. America n
Friends Service Committee American
Red Cross. Federal Council OF the
Churches OF Christ In America. Jewish
Joint Distribution Committee. knights Of
Columbus. Young Mems Christian Asso-
ciation and the Catholic Welfare Com
mittee "It Is not the intention of the
American Relief Administration. Mr..
Hoover said, Ito make public appeals for
funds. as IL feels that the economic sit
uation in America does not warrant such
a demand until the whole employment
and business situation is greatly i'm
proved. Any persons who desire to con-
tribute are recommended to do so
through any of the cooperating organi-
zations"