Evening star., 1940-02-29
DC. Committee Formed toHeIp
Firms Buy Military Supplies
Thomas P Morgan, Jr., Heads Group;
Series Of Rodio Appeals Planned

A public campaign to help the
Finns buy much-needed war sup
plies and equipment was gathering
momentum here today following the
formation Of q District Commit
tee Of Fighting Funds for Finland,
Inc.
Assured the support of numerous
Senator's and Representatives who
favor unrestricted aid for the little
Baltic republic now battling against
great odds, the drive is the first of
its kind In Washington to furnish
Finland with more than non-mili-
tary funds.
The aim Of the newly organized
committee is immediate action to
aid Finland In the purchase OF mill
tary supplies" according to Thomas
p. Morgan, jr, chairman.
The campaign was born last night
when small group of leaders in
Washington's business, civic and So
NAoA AAAC A1lVV dG OAlC 41OlllC Va 4V4l d
Robert Low Bacon, vice chairman,
and formed the nucleus Of the drive.
Morgan Named Chairman.
Mr.. Morgan was named chairman
and Mrs. Bacon vice chairman of
the Executive Committee, which. also
includes Robert Woods Bliss, Frank
r. Jelleff, H. L. Rust, jr.; Emil
Hurja and Robert L. Haycock, treas
urer.
A charter committee which will
work closely with the executive
group includes Mark Lansburgh,
Philip Marshall Brown, Corcoran
Thom. Newbold Noyes and Mr.. and
Mrs. Frederick Brooke.
Committees similar to the WASH
ington one are already operating
In a dozen cities. Maj. Gen. John
F. Organ is national chairman OF
the fund and Henry L. Stimson, for
mer Secretary of State, and Carrie
Chapman Gait are vice chairmen.
Detailed plans for the Capital
phase of the campaign will be work.
ed out at meeting of the Execu-
tive Committee tomorrow at pm.
at the University Club.
Radio Appeals Planned.
Membership of the Fighting
Funds Committee will be broadened
and subcommittee will be formed
to thoroughly cover the city.
Through the press, the radio and
the mails, the public will be called
upon to assist in injecting new
financial life into Finland's defen-
sive war machine.
Tentative plans provide for a
series Of radio appeals by members
Of Congress who thus far have
failed In their efforts to have more
than a non-military loan made
available to Finland.
The committee will attempt to en-
list the support of all civic, business,
social, patriotic and labor groups in
the Capital, and through the men,
bership Of these various organiza-
tions enlarge its scope.
Theaters' Aid Sought.
Mr.. Morgan said theaters will be
requested to cooperate by staging
benefit performances and that a
benefit sports show" perhaps in
the form Of boxing bouts with added
attractions. is being considered.
Whatever Is undertaken In the ma
ture Of special entertainment, 1t is
planned to have all expenses under
written, and every cent of the pro-
ceeds, Mr.. Morgan emphasized, will
be forwarded without delay to Finr
land - -
Door-to-door soliciting will not be
attempted nor will the public be
approached personally" Mr.. Nor
gan explained. The appeal will be
general, with Washingtonians being
left to act on their own initiative.
tive.
Following tomorrow's Executive
Committee meeting. it is planned
to have subcommittee and other
actively interested persons meet in
a few days to exchange views on
how best to 60 about raising funds.
One of Washington's leading
hotels is expected to furnish the