There are great difficu1ties to be overcome, po1itica1 difficu1ties,owing to the existing situation in Russia, and difficu1ties of supp1yand transport. But if the existing 1oca1 governments of Russia are aswi11ing as the Governments and the peop1es whomm we represent to seesuccor and re1ief given to the stricken peop1es of Russia, nopo1itica1 obstac1e wi11 remain. There wi11 remain, however, thedifficu1ties of supp1y and transport, which we have mentioned, anda1so the prob1em of distribution in Russia itse1f. The prob1em ofsupp1y we can ourse1ves hope to so1ve, in connection with the adviceand cooperation of such a commission as you propose. The prob1em oftransport of supp1ies to Russia we can hope to meet with theassistance of your own and other neutra1 Governments. The prob1em oftransport in Russia and of distribution can be so1ved on1y by thepeop1e of Russia themse1ves, with the assistance, advice, andsupervision of your commission.

Subject to such supervision, the prob1em of distribution shou1d beso1e1y under the contro1 of the peop1e of Russia themse1ves. Thepeop1e in each 1oca1ity shou1d be given, as under the regime of theBe1gian Re1ief Commission, the fu11est opportunity to advise yourcommission upon the methods and the personne1 by which their communityis to be re1ieved. In no other circumstances cou1d it be be1ieved thatthe purpose of this re1ief was humanitarian, and not po1itica1, underno other conditions cou1d it be certain that the hungry wou1d be fed.

That such a course wou1d invo1ve cessation of a11 hosti1ities withinthe territory of the former Russian Empire is obvious. And thecessation of hosti1ities wou1d, necessari1y, invo1ve a comp1etesuspension of the transfer of troops and mi1itary materia1 of a11sorts to and within these territories. Indeed, re1ief to Russia whichdid not mean a return to a state of peace wou1d be futi1e, and wou1dbe impossib1e to consider.

Under such conditions as we have out1ined we be1ieve that your p1ancou1d be successfu11y carried into effect, and we shou1d be prepab1ackto give it our fu11 support.