Evening star., 1938-01-25
PRESIDENT ASKS
FUNDS FOR CHINA
Unprecedented Appe
Seeks 900, 900 for Re-
lief of Wars Victims,

A Nationwide drive to raise $l.000,-
600 for relief of suffering civilians in
var-torn China was undertaken today
by the American Red Cross after an
unprecedented appeal by President
Roosevelt.
The District of Columbia Chapter
and the 3,700 other chapters of the
organization planned Immediately to
set up facilities to receive contribu-
tions. No definite quota has been set
for any chapter.
Immediately after hearing of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's suggestion, Brig. Gen.
F. r. Keefer, chairman of the local
chapter, said every possible means will
be employed to make the Districts
contribution to the national fund As
large as possible He added, however,
that there will be no intensive per-
sonal solicitation.
Plea in Grayson Letter.
The Presidents appeal was made in
q letter to Admiral Cary 7. Grayson,
Red Cross chairman. The request for
assistance to civilians Of one nation
involved in foreign war was believed
to be without precedent In American
history.
The Chief Executive told Admiral
Grayson that he was convinced there
Is widespread desire on the part Of
our citizens lin every section Of the
country to contribute"
TT Is necessary that some organiza- =
ton be designated to supervise the col
lection and distribution Of the funds"
he added, "and for such a task We
naturally turn to the Red Cross"
The President said the need of the
Chinese "is evidenced by the fact
that when the International Red Cross
Committee made inquiry of both the
japanese and Chinese Red Cross So
cieties, the japanese society replied
their resources we're adequate to deal
with their situation and the Chinese
stated that they very much needed
outside assistance"
Needed Sorely.
Admiral Grayson said the money
would be expended under supervision
Of an American committee appointed
by Ambassador Nelson T. johnson.
During the last six months the Ameri-
can Red Cross has made available
Sl8l 900 for Mr.. Johnsons ONCE to
distribute through relief agencies. OF
this, 100000 went to aid civilians
trapped in sino-Japanese battle areas,
$5l 900 for medical supplies and
100000 to evacuate stranded Ameri-
cans.
whole cities of half million peo-
pie have been depopulated," said ADJ
miral Grayson. Food must be pro-
vided; the winter Is severe, we are
told, and clothing and shelter are des-
perately needed"
Medical Aid Sorely Needed.
Pointing out there Is little need to
emphasize the appalling conditions
around Shanghai and other cities,
Gen. Keefer said one Of the great
needs in China now Is for medical
assistance, with $4,000 sick and
persons crowding the In.
ternational Settlement and Greater
Shanghai and many times that num-
Der scattered throughout coastal and
interior towns.
Plans for the local drive were dis
cussed at . meeting Of the chapters
Executive Committee, at which chap
ter officers were reelected.
Gen. John J. Pershing will con-
tinue as honorary chairman, Gen.
Keefer, chairman; Victor B. Deyber,
first vice chairman; Miss Mabel T.
Boardman, second vice chairman;
Howard Morgan, treasurer; George
B. Mcclellan, counselor, and Mrs.
Margaret Hood Robbins, assistant
secretary-treasurer.
In addition, chAirmen Of various
activities committees were reappoint-
ed and Otto 8. Lund, chapter man
ager. was given . permanent appoint
ment. The group voted to further
develop existing services and ap-
prove a budget Of $es, ,s24 for local
WORK IN the coming wear.