Letter (copy) : International Solidarity Fund

              Secretary's.
HVT/FC/472.
3rd May, 1939.
Mr. G. Chester,
The National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, 
28, Bedford Square, W.C.1.
Dear Mr. Chester,
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY FUND.
Referring to our telephone conversation a week or ten days ago I may say that a letter from Mr. Schevenels, Secretary of the International Federation of Trade Unions, in regard to the above matter was reported to the National Council of Labour at their last meeting.
The letter from Mr. Schevenels is an appeal to national centres to render further assistance to the enormous refugee problem in France in which our fund is assisting.    He expresses appreciation of any large-scale financial assistance, but suggests that national centres might appeal for clothing, underclothing, boots and shoes.
In connection with any widespread appeal it would, of course, involve a large machine to handle and sort the goods, but it was decided that some portion of our available balance might be devoted to securing job lines of the goods which are required.
Do you think it would be possible for you to make enquiries from manufacturers in regard to the possibility of securing job lines of cheap boots and shoes for men, women and children at knock-down prices? I know how busy you are, but if you could institute enquiries in directions known to you we should be greatly obliged to learn of the extent to which the above proposal could be carried out.