Bernard M. Baruch to Henry Tureman Allen

Title

Bernard M. Baruch to Henry Tureman Allen

Creator

Baruch, Bernard M. (Bernard Mannes), 1870-1965

Identifier

WWP16537

Date

1924 February 9

Description

Bernard Baruch argues that in spite of resentment between Germany and America, it is important to help starving German children.

Source

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

Language

English

Text

I note with anxiety evidences that resentment in this country against the German Embassy flag incident and against certain German press comments on the passing of Woodrow Wilson may effect the raising of the fund for the starving German Children. Why should these innocents suffer? While the indignation of the United States against the stupidity, bad taste, and official obtuseness of some members of the German government and press is wholly comprehensible to me, I sincerely trust that its effect will not be an obstruction to the necessary and humanitarian work your committee is doing. It fell to my lot to be connected with the administration of the war against the Central Powers and it was my inestimable privilege to know, love, and follow the late President Wilson in his capacities as statesman, citizen, and friend. No one therefore could more naturally resent—as I do resent—the attitude of a part of the German press when he died and the action of the German Embassy in refusing to pay a great former President of the United States the tribute of respect which all other nations paid. Not only do I resent this but I marvel anew at the stubborn inability of many of the German people apparently to realize the deep sympathy and friendship of this statesman who was the first to make a distinction between the Junker caste that flung the masses into the war, and the masses themselves. His heart never knew hate for the German people: only compassion and a desire for justice; and almost his last act was to support a relief movement for the impoverished educators of Germany. But despite my resentment and wonder I know that the German people—exploited by their industrialists and misrepresented by their military caste and government—are helplessly drifting from one position to another and that they need help and sympathy and cooperation from us all if the world is to be restored to a basis of peace and production. And certainly there can be no reprisal among civilized people against the starving children of any blood or breed. I am mailing my check for five thousand dollars.

Bernard M Baruch.

Original Format

Letter

To

Henry Tureman Allen

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/D01937.pdf

Tags

Citation

Baruch, Bernard M. (Bernard Mannes), 1870-1965, “Bernard M. Baruch to Henry Tureman Allen,” 1924 February 9, WWP16537, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.