Woodrow Wilson to Harvey D. Gibson

Woodrow Wilson to Harvey D. Gibson

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

WWP15051

1918 March 6

Woodrow Wilson writes to Harvey D. Gibson to inform him that he has been chosen as a member of the International War Finance Committee.

Gilder Lehrman Collection, New York Historical Society, New York

Dear Sir: The Chairman of the War Council informs me that the American Red Cross will shortly appeal to the American people for additional funds to carry on its work. The close co-operation of the American National Red Cross with the military branch of the Government has suggested many new avenues of helpfulness in the immediate business of our organization for war, but in the present situation there are unlimited opportunities of broad humanitarian service, and the effective performance of the service is necessary in itself and in its relation to our master purpose of winning the war.When I appointed the War Council, I wrote: "The Best way in which to impart the greatest efficiency and energy to the reilief work which this war will entail will be to concentrate it in the hands of a single experienced organization which has been recognized by law and by international convention as the public instrumentality for such purposes. Indeed, such a concentration of administrative action in this matter seems to me absolutely necessary."<br /> The experience of eight months, of the demands made upon the generous patriotism of the American people, merely emphasizes the necessity of concentrating the work of relief in one main organization which can respond effectively and universally to the needs of humanity under the stress of war.I have designated you to serve as a member of the National War Finance Committee and I hope you can and will accept. Woodrow Wilson

Letter

Harvey D. Gibson