International Solidarity Fund (circular)

              NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LABOUR
TRANSPORT HOUSE, SMITH SQUARE, LONDON, S.W.1
TRADES UNION CONGRESS		
Secretary: Sir Walter Citrine	
(Victoria 9020)
THE LABOUR PARTY
Secretary: J. S. Middleton
(Victoria 9434)
PARLIAMENTARY LABOUR PARTY
Secretary: H. Scott Lindsay
(Whitehall 6240)
March 30, 1938
Circ. 99.
Dear Secretary,
International Solidarity Fund
May we again bring to your notice the work of the International Solidarity Fund and again appeal for the greatest possible measure of assistance? In doing so, perhaps the following brief report will reveal, in some small measure, the wide range of work which has been undertaken.
On the top of the problems created by aggressor nations in China and in Spain, we now have the serious position which has arisen in Austria. The latest development is likely to create a serious refugee problem in which we shall inevitably be involved. To even a greater extent the smaller countries, already overrun with refugees, will find themselves entirely unable to cope with the new demand unless some degree of assistance can be rendered by the Movement in this country. Our previous commitments must still continue and are extended by this most recent development.
SPAIN
The acute food shortage in Eastern Spain has led to a redoubling of the efforts made through the International Solidarity Fund to send supplies to relieve the grave condition of affairs.
The latest report in connection with the Fund shows that the campaign to supply foodstuffs was especially developed during the last weeks of the heroic fight for Bilbao, Santander, and the Asturias. Since then the whole of the relief work has been concentrated in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.
You will be aware of the activities in connection with the "Milk for Spain Fund," in which the Co-operative Movement has played such a prominent part. In the figures given below, the milk sent to Spain through the medium of this Fund has been taken into account.
In the month of January alone ten large convoys were sent. These included: 
140 tons of condensed milk.
30 tons of ham.
2 ambulances and 10 tons of material for the Onteniente Hospital which is maintained entirely by the International Solidarity Fund.
6,000,000 cigarettes.
80 tons of sugar.
22 tons of dried cod, bacon and corned beef.
28 tons of soap.
5 tons of lentils.
80,000 packets of foodstuffs for children.
10 tons of spare parts for lorries and ambulances for relief and medical purposes.
Since January the work has steadily continued. Orders have been placed for regular supplies of milk, and arrangements have been made for the milk and other foodstuffs to be sent overland through France in order to avoid the long sea route. In addition to the milk, 250 tons of food was sent in this way during February. The consignment included sugar, flour, rice, lentils, meat cubes, cocoa, and soap.
An active Spanish worker, at present on a brief visit to this country, has paid a remarkable compliment to the effective machinery which is being operated for the distribution of supplies sent through the International Solidarity Fund.
Foodstuffs, milk, and medical necessities are urgently needed, and a special effort must be made to maintain the supplies, particularly for the next three months.