--2-
53
It was also decided that, in the event of being unable to attend at a meeting, the members of the Sub-Committee should be empowered to appoint ad hoc representatives.
The Committee was informed that the totals of donations received to date were as follows:·
Received of the China Association
#
11
#1
11
11
Conference of British
Missionary Societies Red Cross Society
£2233.19. 6. 1267. 4. 9.
744. 7 0.
•
8.
Mr. Bernard inquired how cheques received in response to the appeal were being dealt with, whether, that is to say, they were being paid into special accounts or into the general accounts of the three bodies concerned. The China Association, he said, had opened an account at the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank for the Relief of Distress in China and che ques intended for that purpose were being paid into it.
Mr. Dixon stated that the Conference of British Missionary Societies was not receiving any other donations. Mr. Davies stated that the Red Cross Society were receiving donations for two funds, this one and one for Spain. These were being kept separate.
Organization of Publicity.
Mr. Gull, having stated what had up to the present been done, Mr. Lyas of the Christian Science Monitor, who had been invited by Mr. Gull to put before the Committee ideas which Mr. Lyas had discussed with him, suggested
(a) As regards Press publicity the employment of a specialist
(b) as regards other publicity, the organization of a Charity Ball or Matinee and approaches to political bodies and co-operative societies, etc., such work to be entrusted to a committee of specialists working quite apart from, but in touch with, the Executive Committee, and employing one or more paid secretaries for the detail work necessary to the success of such project or projects as might be undertaken.
Co-operation of Lord Mayors and Mayors in centres other than the City of London.
After discussion of the best way in which the co-operation of Lord Mayors and Mayors in centres other than the City of London might be enlisted, it was decided to write to the Lord Mayor of London and to ask him to extend the appeal which he had stated he was planning to make in the City to the whole country.
In connection with this decision and the question of publicity, Dame Rachel Crowdy suggested that the B.B.C. should be approached with a view to arranging for a broadcast. After some discussion it was decided that, if the Lord Mayor's decision in respect of the letter which was to be sent to him were favourable, Dame Rachel, Mr. Hersee and Mr. Gull should take such steps as seemed suitable in regard to securing an opportunity to broadcast.
The opinion underlying this decision was that, if the Lord Mayor decided to extend his appeal, the fact would provide the occasion for a fresh start in the matter of publicity. If, on the other hand, the Lord Mayor did not feel able to take this step, other occasions and methods must be sought, a suggestion made in respect of the latter being the possibility of obtaining Lady Gladstone's help, and that of various women's organisations.