Warning that “human suffering will become more appalling” if the war continues, President Roosevelt urged in a statement today that the work of voluntary relief agencies be completely coordinated in order to avoid duplication of effort and waste in effecting relief in the war zones.
The statement, drafted by the State Department, pointed out that while the United States was neutral in the present European conflict, “I am sure we cannot be indifferent to the suffering inflicted upon the peoples of the war-torn countries, particularly upon the helpless women and children.”
The President continued: “It is traditional that the American people should wish, after providing in full measure for the support of our necessary charitable endeavors at home, to extend material aid to the helpless victims of war abroad.
“With the continuance of war, human suffering will become more appalling and there will no doubt be need for relief work in addition to that which comes within the scope of Red Cross policy and responsibility.
“Groups desiring to carry on various kinds of relief work have in fact registered with the Secretary of State as required by regulations issued pursuant to the Neutrality Act.”
The President said that the statement was issued at the suggestion of Secretary of State Hull and Norman H. Davis, chairman of the American Red Cross.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
