REFUGEES FROM SMYRNA. [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—Kindly allow me to bring to the knowledge of your readers that some eighty British refugees from Smyrna have arrived in London. The majority of some two thousand British subjects who succeeded in escaping from that great port are in Malta, Cyprus and other Mediterranean islands. These eighty refugees are ruined, many even of those who at home were rich have no clothes beyond the thin summer things in which they escaped to the sea. The All-British Appeal has approved the formation of a committee to receive clothing and materials to supply the needs of the refugees in London. I shall be very grateful for contributions, and also for offers of hospitality. Surely those who were so ready to succour the natives of a neighbouring country when forced to fly from a murderous foe will be equally prompt to assist our own fellow subjects, suffering from the like overwhelming disaster, who have had in addition a long and trying journey before they could rest in England.
When the needs of the British refugees are satisfied any remaining supplies will be sent to Mrs. Lindley in Athens for distribution amongst the million Christians who have taken refuge in Greece, or any contributor can earmark goods specially for Athens. Private letters and Greek papers tell of the terrible misery of these people. The population of Greece in normal times is less than that of London. There was no large reserve of supplies in the country, and now even with money it is difficult to obtain necessaries. The All-British Appeal has despatched a train, the Greek com- munity in London and other organizations are doing their best, but it is impossible to send too much clothing or, indeed, any other necessity of life.—I am, Sir, &c.,
KATIIARINE THRING,
Chairman, Clothing and Workroom Committee of the All-British Appeal for Relief of Distress in the Near East.
5 Queen's Gate Gardens. S.W. 7.
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