AN APPEAL TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON

AN APPEAL TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

One year ago, in compliance with resolutions passed by the Senate and by the House of Representatives, 
I appointed days upon which the people of the United States might make such contributions as they felt 
disposed for the aid of the stricken Armenian and Syrian peoples.

American diplomatic and consular representatives and other American residents recently returned from 
Western Asia, assure me that many thousands of lives were saved from starvation by the gifts of the 
American people last winter. They also bring full assurance of the continued effective distribution 
of relief and report that the suffering and death from exposure and starvation will inevitably be very 
much greater this winter than last unless the survivors can be helped by further contributions from America.

Reports indicate that of orphans alone there are more than 400,000, besides women and other dependent 
children, reaching a total of more than 2,000,000 destitute survivors. The situation is so distressing 
as to make a special appeal to the sympathies of all.

In view of the urgent need I call again upon the people of the United States to make such further contributions 
as they feel disposed, in their sympathy and generosity for the aid of these suffering peoples. Contributions 
may be made through the American Red Cross, Washington, D. C. or direct to the American Committee for Armenian 
and Syrian Relief, Cleveland H. Dodge, treasurer, One Madison Avenue, New York City.

29 October, 1917.
Woodrow Wilson