Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

supplies in Russia with priority over other shipping and with necessary con- voys, handling supplies, storage with freedom from requisi- tion, kitchens and dispensaries with equipment and staff garages, necessary oil and gasoline for motor transport, ade- quate offices and residential quarters free from requisition, and priority of communication within Russia free of cost. American personnel of the A.M.R. are to be accorded the customary diplomatic privileges as to passing frontiers and while in Russia full liberty and protection. The A.M.R. is to set up the necessary organization for carrying out its relief program and the Soviet Authorities, central and local, have the right of representation therein. In brief, the A.M.R. offers its help to Russia under the same privileges and facilities for efficient relief work as ex- tended to the American Relief Administration. Respectfully submitted, Alvin J. Miller, American Mennonite Relief. 146 FEEDING THE HUNGRY Kamenev was fairly well informed about the Menno- nites in Russia. He approved strongly our purpose to assist the neediest in our territory impartially whether Menno- nites or others; and warned against dangerous conse- quences that could easily follow if help were given to only a special group, pointing out that it would probably bring more harm than good to the very ones we wished to help. He thought, too, the presence of our organization in the Mennonite settlements would have a quieting and stabiliz- ing effect. Again our previous connection with the Qua- kers helped to convince and assure him of the sincerity of our purpose and non-political character. On the general principles, we were agreed. To work out the details of the contract was left to his secretary, Levean, and myself. Our conversation had been a very satisfactory one. But Kamenev’s reply to my letter of September 9th, was delayed until the 16th. Moscow, September 15, 1921. Mr. Alvin Miller, Acting Director for Russia, Of the Mennonite Relief Unit. The Central Relief Committee of the All-Russian Cen- tral Executive Committee of the Soviets expresses its hearty thanks for the desire of your organization to extend help and relief to the famine stricken provinces of Volga. As far as your offer made in your letter of the 9th of September is concerned, I beg to inform you that the Soviet Government agrees to give you a permission to work on the following conditions: First, your supplies will be guaranteed against any kind of confiscation and requisition. Second, the transportation of supplies in Russia will be done at the expense of the Soviet Government. Third, the supplies which will be brought into Russia will be freed from duties. If these conditions are regarded by you as satisfactory please let us know immediately in order that the work could be started at once Yours very truly, (signed) L. Kamenev. UNSEALING THE CLOSED DOOR 147 To this I replied