The American Relief Administration, which proposes to feed the starving
in Russia, came to terms with the Bolshevik delegates at Riga last Saturday. It was agreed that the American agents should have diplomatic privileges and be free to engage their assistants. They would feed only the children and the sick, not the Bolshevik soldiers or officials. They would organize local committees, to which the Bolsheviks might nominate delegates. In the case of epidemics the Americans would have " the right to control local sanitary arrangements," which might mean a good deal. The Bolsheviks would transport the food from the ports and be responsible for its safe delivery, replacing any that was lost or stolen. The Americans would neither engage in trade nor interfere in politics. If the Bolsheviks broke their word, the relief work would cease. Food supplies are now being sent into Russia. It is reported that Dr. Naneen, representing the International Red Cross Mission, has threatened to resign because the Americans will not work under him. But there is plenty of scope in the famine districts for two or more relief missions.
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