Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

ked keenly through pince nez glasses, quiet voice, and cultured manner. Evidently a man of idealistic cast of mind who had suffered for his ideals. We conversed in German. My proposals were stated briefly. He called one of his secre- taries, Mr. Levean, to inquire whether any of my outlines had reached him. The secretary looked confused as he brought out of his brief-case the outline—but explained that the rush of work had prevented bringing up this matter. Kamenev welcomed our proposals, and requested further information on specific points, which was supplied by letter: Hotel Savoy Moscow, September 9th, 1921. Mr. Kamenev President of the Moscow Soviet President of the Central Commission for Combatting Famine of the All Russian Central Executive Committee of the Soviets Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic MOSCOW Sit: For your further information relative to the proposed relief work of the American Mennonite Relief organization this outline gives in brief, summarized form a general sketch of the plan. The American Mennonite Relief (A.M.R.) is an un- official, volunteer, American organization for social service. It maintains a BASE at Constantinople where relief sup- plies are ready for prompt shipment to Russia to be re- ceived and distributed by the American Mennonite Relief organization. A FUND of Ten Thousand Dollars (10,000) MONTH- LY is at the disposal of the workers. Fifty Thousand Dol- lars (50,000) are available immediately and in addition some hundreds of tons of clothing and hospital supplies. Ship- ments are coming regularly from America. THE RELIEF DISTRIBUTION will be as supple- mentary assistance to the civilian population especially UNSEALING THE CLOSED DOOR 145 women and children and the sick, regardless of race, re- ligion or social or political status. The individuals helped are to receive also the regular food supplies as issued to the rest of the population. THE PERSONNEL of the A.M.R. will confine them- selves to the ministration of relief and will not engage in political or commercial activities. A small number of Americans sufficient to supervise the work efficiently will be required. To assist in carrying on the work the A.M.R. will select the necessary local personnel who are to serve free of cost to the A.M.R. The REGIONS to be assisted are those where the A.M.R. finds that relief can be administered most efficiently. The ports of entry suggested are Berdjiansk and Sevastopol for the South and Novorossisk for the southeast and the Volga regions. If the centers of distribution are located where as- sistance will be given both to the Mennonite population and to the others at the same time the funds will be greatly increased thereby. The NECESSARY FACILITIES for the administration of the relief work in Russia are to be provided free of cost by the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, in- cluding transportation of personnel and