CHRISTMAS DELICACIES.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—At a time when we are all laying in our store of Christ- mas delicacies, I would crave space to bring to your readers' notice an association of facts which may have escaped them. A great many of these delicacies come normally from Asia Minor through the port of Smyrna, where a short while ago was a flourishing colony of English traders. When disaster overtook that city these unfortunate people, who numbered about a thoucnnd, were compelled to flee at a moment's notice, some to Malta, others to Cyprus, Mitylene and even to England. They arrived in these places without funds, with only the scantiest clothing and in most cases absolutely ruined ; for their money was locked up in the country they had been forced to leave, where the warehouses were crowded with the dried fruits, &c., ready to be exported.
These British refugees, whose plight is little known, have a very special call on the pity and generosity of their fellow- countrymen. The season is an apt one for their appeal. Is it too much to hope that when we are buying these deli- cacies in which it was their business to deal, we may think of these stricken Englishmen and help them ? Charity is very bitter Christmas fare for them. Ours cannot but be sweeter for the knowledge that we have done something to mitigate their sufferings. Donations are very urgently re- quired by the Imperial War Relief Fund, General Buildings, Aldwych, London, W.C. 2.—I am, Sir, &c.,
SECRETARY, Imperial War Relief Fund.
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