BELGIAN RELIEF

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3112, 16 June 1917, Page 9

BELGIAN RELIEF

AS OI'I'ICIAL CIRCULAR.

The following circular letter. regardmg Belgian relief is being sent to patriotic societies by the TJmler-Secretary lor Internal Affaire:— ', . . "1 have tho honour, by direction ot the Minister of Internal Affairs, to inform you that advice has been received from tho High Commissioner tor Jsew Zealand in London that the Rational Committee -for Relief in Belgium bus suspended appeals to tho public of the British Empire • for the relief ok tho inhabitants of Belgian territory in. alien enemy occupation,'aud tho United btate.s Government has assumed ull -financial responsibility for this work. "Under these circumstances the Government does not propose, to remit further contributions ,from New Zealand at present. The High Commissioner now holds a considerable sum for the work or the National Committee, and inquiries are boing made as .to whether,this money is needed to meet expenditure incurred prior to the United States Government assuming financial responsibility. It it is not required for this purpose, consideration will be given to the way an which' it can best be applied tor Belgian relief. ' . "In the meantime it is suggested by tho Hon. Minister that any funds in hand should be invested on deposit and held in trust for the purpose of assisting in restoration work in Belgium after the close of the war. By 'this means the funds will, earn interest until required." '