“In answer to your second inquiry as to how much is still necessary, would say that it is extremely difficult to make an answer that would be reliable as there are so many uncertain factors in the problem, as you know only too well. So far as the Near East Relief is concerned, our program should very rapidly diminish after another year or two and the Executive Committee has definitely adopted a resolution to the effect that there shall be some sort of coordination or amalgamation of Near East agencies at the end of five years or sooner if practicable. This resolution was adopted approximately nine months ago. “Near East Relief will need around four million dollars a year for the next two years if present indications are reliable.” One of the most important reports connected with the fire is that of the Reverend Charles Dobson, British chaplain of Smyrna, and a committee of prominent Englishmen, all inhabitants of the district, including the British chaplains of Bournabat and Boudja. This report throws the responsibility of the fire upon the Turks, “whose fanatic elements, fed by the license of three-days’ looting, fired the city in the hope of driving out the non-Moslem and non-Jewish elements.” Such a report from such a source, leaves no doubt as to the fact that Smyrna was burned by Turks, although these gentlemen do not take into account the circumstance that the town was in complete control of Khemalist troops at the time and that regular soldiers of the Turkish army, in uniform, were seen by abundant witnesses to set the fires. It is pertinent in this connection in that it relates incidents of greater ferocity than I have yet given, but which I refrain from quoting.[10] CHAPTER XXII EFFICIENCY OF OUR NAVY IN SAVING LIVES The following radio messages were received by me on the evening of September thirteenth, while at sea, en route to Athens, and after: Litchfield 9-13-22. _Simpson_ 0113 fire has almost reached Consulate. Consulate has escaped with practically all official matter of value. A large number of other Americans have been taken on board and now being taken on board but have no complete muster as yet. Entire population on water front have placed many orphans and employees of American benevolent associations on _Winona_ with request but not order to evacuate them to Athens promising your assistance in matter of their landing, 2220 Litchfield Capt. * * * * * _Simpson_ 9-14-22. For Horton. _Winona_ leaving 4 P. M. to-day for Piræus with three hundred and fifty refugees directed to report to you for instructions about evacuation. Simpson awaits arrival _Winona_ due about 9 A. M. Friday signed Hepburn—1130 Capt. (file) * * * * *