File No. 811.142/1569
The Chargé in Turkey (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 1, 2.15 p. m.]
1771. Your 2376, April 24. No feasible means of transporting Red Cross supplies from Athens or Constantinople to Beirut exists at present, and with Ward’s consent, I have requested Athens to forward them here together with ten tons of supplies held there for Scorpion if I can obtain Bulgarian permit.
Owing to great scarcity of household supplies and the excessive prices prevailing here, I think immediate steps must be taken to procure a stock of necessaries to be sold at cost price to members of the Embassy, Consulate, and colony. Respectfully request that I be authorized to make advance purchases in Roumania or elsewhere of supplies for this purpose if obtainable at reduced prices, the maximum expenditure not to exceed $5,000.