THE POLISH VICTIMS RELIEF FUND.
[To rem EDER. or sae "8”OTATOR., Sss,—The existence in Great Britain of more than one organisa- tion for Polish relief has led to some confusion in the public mind. We think it advisable, therefore, to make one position dear.
Mr. Paderewski, joint President with Mr. Sienkiewics of the " Comite General de Sesame pour les Vietimes de la Gnome en Pologne," Vevey (General Committee of Relief for the Victims of the War in Poland), came to England expressly to found a British branch, French and Italian branches of the Swim Fund being already at work.
The " Polish Victims Relief Fund" thus came into existence through Mr. Paderewski's initiative, and immediately received powerful support. Its objects are to raise money for the relief of Poland's stricken millions, and to distribute funds to the greatest advantage through the existing machinery of the "Comae General," which acts in direct collaboration with the admirable Relief Committees founded by the Poles throughout Poland itself, all perfectly well organised and rich in noble workers, but needing a constant supply of money to carry on their overwhelming teat The Executive Committee of the Polish Victims Relief Fund has, in accordance with what appeared to be the public wish, desired the "Comite General" to use the British contribution, which we place at their disposal exclusively for transmission to those parts of Poland which are now actually under Russian rule. This stipulation is being strictly adhered to.
It must be remembered, however, that the "Comite General," acting in a neutral country, has means of transmitting funds through Polish hand, to all parts of Poland. It must also be remembered that the greater portion of Polish territory is now under the German heel, and that the misery hereto the most acute. Russian charity has come forward to help the Relief Committees of Poland in their great task of feeding the homeless and starving refugees throughout those parts of Russian Poland which Prussia has not invaded, and also in those parts of Galicia which Russia hue already conquered. But there is no help forthcoming from
the German invader for the starving millions he ie driving to death's door.
Those donors who give us leave to transmit their merciful gifts to the districts where food has given out, whore a peaceful civilian population is threatened with extermination, whore every Tillage buries its children daily by the dozen—those who allow us in Christian charity to reach these martyrs of the war through the "Comae General" earn our profound gratitude. We repeats, however, that, without express permission from the donor, we do not send British money to any parts of Poland outside the Russian Empire. The " Cornith GbEral de Servers pour lea Victimes de la Guerre en Pologne " has written to us as follows "Notre Comite GenEral tient h exprimer see remerciements lee pine eincbres ts tons les gEnereux donateurs anglais dont none admirons profondement Is reagnifique Elan charitable."
To these thanks we also beg to add our own in gratitude for what we have already received. Yet in view of the appalling calamity which has befallen the Polish people, and of their heartrending helplessness, we beg for continuance and for increase of charity.—We are, Sir, he., Lesnmeren Aram Timms, Hon. Secretary.
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