National Archives and Records Administration

Introduction Activity 1 Activity 2 Activity 3

[A cartoon displays an eagle with the initials “U.S.A.” carrying food to a starving figure, labeled "Belgium", that lies prostrate; a dog named “Starvation” roars over him.]

NOT A NEUTRAL IN THIS CASE

    THREE Americans have been brought out prominently before the whole world by the situation in Europe – three Americans and two of these Ohioans. They are Myron T. Herrick, Brand Whitlock and Herbert Clarke Hoover. The first monument the Belgians build after the war is over, says Will Irwin, will be one to Brand Whitlock, our minister to Belgium, formerly mayor of Toledo. He has had a very difficult task to perform and he has performed it with splendid efficiency and devotion, even to the extent at times of living on black bread. Mr. Hoover, the chairman of the American commission in London that has had charge of the relief work, first for the fleeing American refugees and then for the starving Belgians, has shown himself a first-class organizer and administrator. With Hoover handling the London end of the Belgian relief work and Whitlock handling the Belgian end, they have achieved wonders, and, in consequence, when the American flag is seen nowadays in the streets of Brussels or Antwerp or any other Belgian city, the people spontaneously take off their hats.