THE GREEK LOAN AND THE GREEK REFUGEES [To the Editor
of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—In simple comment upon the publicity which you have recently given to the Greek Refugee Loan, may I be permitted to make two quotations, for the information of your readers ? The first, which is from Sir Arthur Salter's preface to the
Protocol, is as follows :
" 1t (the loan) is to be devoted to settlement in productive work, mainly, but not exclusively upon the land. No part of it is to be used for charitable relief. The necessity for charitable; aid therefore remains. . . . The Greek Refugee Settlement Com-i mission . . . is explicitly prevented from giving charitable assist- ! ance. The .temporary relief by charitable means of refugeesi who cannot be immediately placed in productive work is am essential complement of the scheme of reconstruction which is intended to place them ultimately on a basis of self-supporting independence. '
The second is from a telegram which has just been received in London from our chief administrator in Greece :
" Heavy snowfall reported to-day throughout Macedonia. Bitter winds and intense cold causing much hardship among refugees. . . Mortality is increasing in camps at Salonika, where! thousands of unfortunate people sheltered in draughty barrackst suffering intensely from cold. Visited two camps to-day ; much; impressed by terrible state, many women, children lying ill ands• insufficiently clad. There is great need of nourishing food to alleviate suffering of many sick. The sights at one camp to-day. similar to distressing scenes personally witnessed in Russia during famine period. . . ."
Owing to the rise in the price of flour the British Relief Socie-i ties have had to reduce the numbers fed by them to 30,000 out of 500000 in desperate need. Donations for the work of relief should be sent to Sir Maurice Bonham Carter, 26 Gordon Street, London, W.C. 1. Gifts of old clothing; should be sent to The Imperial War Relief Fund' New, Hibernia Wharf, London Bridge, S.E. 1.—I am, Sir, &c., GERALD MILLER, Secretary. [The Greek Loan has nothing to do with the immediate condition of the refugees, which can be relieved only by charity.—ED. Spectator.]
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