-11-                            
 
                                                            
 
 
     to rebuild its organization. It was at a low ebb.      
 
                                                            
 
 
 Distribution before the end of this week in the most sorely  
devastated areas will begin. It should move in a steady stream  
so long as a generous American public continues its donations,  
      and the National War Fund continues its support.      
 
                                                            
 
 
By the time of Germany's surrender I believe the questions  
involving American Relief for Italy and with which I have been  
concerned will have been solved. The principal ones have already been   
solved. I shall then have directed the Italian side  
of American Relief for Italy's activities, so that with the ira-  
portant cooperation and contribution of Hr. Howard Barr, appointed  
by me as my deputy chairman in Italy, and released temporarily by  
American Red Cross, relief distribution will have advanced to  
 point where repetition of operation begins, organization en
 
                                                            
 
 
It is my thought at not too late a moment to turn over to  
the National Committee for the Distribution of Relief in Italy complete   
charge of all distribution of American Relief for Italy's supplies. American   
Relief for Italy should then leave this field. From present indications that   
will be possible after several months' time, possibly by the time of the   
                   surrender of Germany.                    
 
                                                            
 
 
    There remains, then, the unconditional surrender of