Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

- ized its reconstruction work in France, the Mennonite Relief Commission for War Sufferers through its secretary, Levi Mumaw, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, cooperated with the Qua- kers by supplying funds, clothing, and personnel. This work was done under the name of the Quakers. I was one of the group. In a similar way the Mennonites have also been associated directly with the Quakers in their relief activities in the other European countries. Thus also they have con- tributed to the Near East Relief in money, supplies and personnel. Later a Mennonite Central Committee was formed, Levi Mumaw, secretary, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, to carry on re- fief work under the name of our own organization, the American Mennonite Relief. The Unit at Constantinople has been waiting for the opportunity to enter Russia to give assistance regardless of race or religion. In the mean- time support has been given to the women and children destitute in Constantinople. PLANS FOR RUSSIA The American Mennonite Relief organization now pro- poses to assist Russians by opening centers for supplemen- UNSEALING THE CLOSED DOOR a7, tary feeding and by providing supplies for children’s homes, civilian hospitals, and the needy civilian population, espe- cially women and children regardless of race, religion, or social and political status. It should be noted that it is not our intention to aid only Mennonites. It is our definite purpose to aid all the destitute in the needy regions where we shall work so far as our funds will permit. If we locate our centers where we can assist both Mennonites and others. at the same time, our funds will greatly be increased there- by, and Russia will receive the benefit. THE TERRITORY The territory where it seems we could thus operate most efficiently is that within reach of the railroad line from Sevastopol to Militopol, Alexandrowsk, Ekaterinoslav and Kharkow. According to the maps and charts issued this area is also seriously affected by the extreme drought. BASE Our base is now in Constantinople, from which place shipment is to be directed to the Russian port. The port of entry will probably be Sevastopol from which point ship- ment is to be made by rail to the centers farther north. PERSONNEL A very small number of American workers will be need- ed. Perhaps three or four at each center will be sufficient, as considerable of the work may be done by local helpers. It is hoped that through the cooperation of the local relief committees and official representatives it will be possible to work effectively with only a small group of Americans supervising. CONNECTION WITH AMERICAN RELIEF ADMINISTRATION In an interview with Mr. Brown in Riga, I learned that it was not yet known to him what is to be the status of other American Relief Organizations working in Russia. Probably a little time will be required to work out the de- tails of codperation between the various organizati