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National Committee on Food for the Small Democracies records
XX404
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Title: National Committee on Food for the Small Democracies records
Date (inclusive): 1939-1946
Collection Number: XX404
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
168 manuscript boxes, 1 card file box, 6 envelopes
(71.2 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Correspondence, memoranda, reports, statements, pamphlets, serial issues, and photographs relating to attempts to organize
and secure international agreement for a civilian relief program for Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland
during World War II.
Creator:
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
Creator:
National Committee on Food for the Small Democracies
Creator:
Kershner, Howard Eldred, 1891-1990
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
[Identification of item], National Committee on Food for the Small Democracies records, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover
Institution Library & Archives.
Also available on microfilm (121 reels).
The presidential election over, we determined that the only way relief could be brought to the women, children, and destitute
in the small democracies was to awaken public opinion in the neutral countries to the inconsequential dangers from our proposals.
Both the British and Germans were sensitive to neutral opinions. They needed actual support from the neutrals, or at least
the continued neutrality of these nations.
On November 18, 1940, we launched an organization called "The National Committee on Food for the Small Democracies." In Addition
to myself as Honorary Chairman the original membership comprised those who had taken part in the famine relief of forty five
countries after World War I. However, we were soon joined by one thousand leading Americans. The purpose of the committee
was: to raise a voice on behalf of Finland, Norway, Holland, Belgium and Central Poland so that agreements may be made by
the German and British Governments with a neutral organization--
- (a) by which their domestic food supplies can be protected from the occupying armies;
- (b) by which supplemental supplies can be imported through the German and British blockades and protected;
- (c) to secure the efficient operation of such a neutral organization.
To the end that the lives of millions of children, women and men can be saved from the inevitable famine and pestilence which
confront them, and that renewed hope may be given to them in the ideals of mankind.
I was asking for no gifts, no government appropriations, no use of American ships.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into the war. Our relief organization had
been repudiated by the exiled governments. Now at war, we could not act without the approval of our own government. Our National
Committe on Food for the Small Democracies decided to suspend activities, but to resume if opportunity came. We sent word
to the exiled governments that, now free from any embarrassment from us, they should secure permission directly to relieve
their people at home.
But they got no relief.
It was not until three and one-half years later, when Mr. Truman became President in April, 1945, that American Government
policies changed and became compassionate about relief of famine. From Herbert Hoover,
An American Epic, Vol. IV)
Scope and Content of Collection
Correspondence, memoranda, reports, statements, pamphlets, serial issues, and photographs relating to attempts to organize
and secure international agreement for a civilian relief program for Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland
during World War II.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945 -- Netherlands
World War, 1939-1945 -- Poland
World War, 1939-1945 -- United States
International relief
World War, 1939-1945 -- Belgium
World War, 1939-1945 -- Civilian relief
World War, 1939-1945 -- Food supply
World War, 1939-1945 -- Finland
World War, 1939-1945 -- Norway