To the American People:

Herein is contained in the form of figures a report of money contributed and expended, as well as the work done by the American Red Cross, during the period in which the War Council was in control of its affairs. It was the practice of the War Council to give complete publicity to its policies and finances, but it is only now that a picture of the war period as a whole can be presented. It is the feeling of the War Council that a report in this summarized form should be made directly to the public which provided the money and gave the effort which made the American Red Cross a success.

Immediately the armistice was signed the War Council prepared to turn over the direction of affairs to the Executive Committee as the permanent head of the American Red Cross. The report herein contained therefore brings the affairs of the Red Cross only up to March 1, 1919. On that date the War Council relinquished its authority. The work, however, of the American Red Cross was going on at a very rapid pace. The war work proper, incident to the military effort, was on an extensive scale long after hostilities ceased, and as the spring months revealed the conditions brought about by war, especially in Eastern Europe, the American Red Cross was face to face with obligations of large proportions on behalf of humanity. There was widespread suffering which we alone were in a position to relieve.

A statement of the American Red Cross effort and finances since the War Council relinquished its control will be made to the public through the Executive Committee, and it is important therefore that the fact that this report covers the period only until March I, should be carefully noted.

The American Red Cross has wrought both largely and nobly, yet those who have been associated so intimately with its activities during the war and have witnessed the outpouring of service which it brought forth from all classes of people, cannot but feel that in time of peace the Red Cross will realize a yet larger destiny. This is not the place to detail these opportunities of the future, but it is a fitting occasion to repeat the happy phrase recently uttered by Cardinal Mercier in connection with the work of the American Red Cross:

"Such a national inspiration should be captured and held for the benefit of all mankind."

H. P. DAVISON
Chairman, War Council