Evening star., 1940-02-29
100000 Poles
Need u. ). Aid, ,
Hoover Testifies
Finnish Food Situation
Is Not as Serious,
House Group Told
BY JOHN c. HENRY.

Dy JOhN y. hENnI.
Former President Hoover told the
House Foreign Affairs Committee
today that Poland would need $40
600 900 to $4,000, 900 worth of food
stuffs to forestall serious destitution
for an estimated 100000 persons
this spring.
OF this total, he estimated that
from 10 to 20 million dollars must
come from the United States.
Such humanitarian assistance
embraces no threat of involvement
IN Europe's wars" the former Presi-
dent declared fatty.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm
prepared % feed women and chill
dren and l don't care of what race
they are"
Finnish civilian food needs, neither
50 great nor complex in attendant
circumstances, he estimated at some
$4,000, 600.
1t was the former Presidents first
appearance before a congressional
committee since he was Secretary
of Commerce in the Coolidge ad-
ministration.
Seven Bills Pending.
Pending before the foreign affairs
group as the former Chief Execu-
tive appeared were seven bills au-
thorizing varying amounts from 10
to 20 million dollars for aid to
Polish war refugees.
Looking slightly tired after his
weeks Of crowded activity in raising
funds for Polish and Finnish war
victims, the former President went
to the crowded little hearing room
with Chairman Bloom. AS he took
his seat and prepared to begin his
testimony the committee members
present applauded him.
Mr.. Hoover talked without notes
and with his arms folded.
Reminding the committee that
Poland has been dismembered to
give one section to Russia, a second
to Germany and leaving a third in
. neutrality-suspicious. status, the
witness declared the central section
Is lease equipped to be self sustain
ing.
Sees 1000, 900 in Need.
I'VE are going to have a food
shortage there, probably from the
first of May on" he declared. There
may be as many as 100000 persons
in need after that time"
THE problems Of mass feeding of
nations are not solely ones of food"
Mr.. Hoover said.
There are distinct military rami-
fications. There must be agreements
with the belligerent powers.
For instance, the allied govern
ments must have assurances that
foodstuffs do not 60 to German
hands. And We here are insistent
that our relief 60 to all classes who
may be in need"
Likewise, he continued, German
authorities place definite conditions
on relief activities.
After the hearing, Mr.. Hoover de-
clined to enter into an the record
discussion of 1910 presidential poll
tics with reporters.
II am not engaged in politics" he
said. II am interested only in feed
ing the Firms and Poles"
During his brief stay in WASH
angton Mr.. Hoover has been the
guest of former Undersecretary of
State William Castle. Yesterday he
discussed the Polish relief problem
with Count jerry Potocki, Polish
Ambassador.
Meeting Called Last Fall.
Mr.. Hoover told the committee
he had called together last fall
group of persons who had been ac-
quainted with Polish relief prob
lens in 1919 and that negotiations
have been under way since then
with the nations interested.
Il have no doubt there will be
agreements reached within few
weeks" he said.
Coming to the point of who should
direct actual disbursement of for
eign relief, Mr.. Hoover said he
thought it advisable to leave with
the President the discretion Of des-
ignating an agency. There must, he
emphasized, be co-ordinated effort
with his preference being indicated
for some organization which has
representation in all governments
involved.
Mr.. Hoover, made clear that the
Red Cross type of relief is confined
to medical and clothing aid and
that they are not desirous of WIDEN
ing their scope to handle the mass
feeding" problem.
Representative Fish, Republican,
Of New York, raised objection to
turning any blank check" over to a
Government agency for use where it
saw fit. Empatically, he expressed
(See HOOVER, Page A-5.)