Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/353

 and in reply to a circular letter sent out by our French Committee to Prefects, Senators, Deputies, Mayors, etc., in the invaded regions, asking for definite information in regard to the needs of the people, had come scores of appealing and appreciative replies.

Shipping space must be found. The matter was taken up with the French High Commission in New York, but without immediate results. The French Embassy was approached, but while there was an evident desire to help, there seemed to be no way of overstepping the Commission which had authority over all transportation. During the discussion with the Embassy, there was present the captain of a fleet of twelve French mine-sweepers, who offered space on his boats provided the Ambassador approved of it. Approval was given, and as the boats were to sail from Boston, they were especially convenient for loading. Sailing not as a squadron, but at different times, two were scheduled to leave in December. On them were loaded one hundred fifty of the five hundred cases of clothing then ready. They put out to sea, proved unseaworthy, and in two or three days returned to port, to await an uncertain future. It was then that the French High Commission took up the matter, and granted space on some merchant vessels under French control. The shipments were as follows: Before the garments were packed in the cases at Boston, they were firmly tied in bundles of two, five or ten, each bundle bearing a label stating the nature,