_Third._--That, in order to guarantee the fullest effectiveness of the aid thus offered by the civil Red Cross, this committee hereby gives you official notice that it stands ready, together with other co-operating committees, to furnish all necessary money and material to support the work of the said American National Red Cross, as hereinbefore outlined. We beg to request, Mr. President, that you take the necessary action to have the several departments of the government duly notified of this financial guarantee of the assistance tendered by the American National Red Cross, to the end that the fullest reliance may be placed upon its offer, should the extent of the present war over tax the preparations of the medical departments of the army and navy. Please favor us with a prompt acknowledgment of this letter and information as to your action thereon. Respectfully, LEVI P. MORTON, HENRY C. POTTER, D.D., LL.D., WILLIAM T. WARDWELL, GEORGE F. SHRADY, M.D., A. MONAE LESSER, M.D. On May 24, the above communication was transmitted by the Secretary of State to the Department of War, in the following letter in which he explains the position of the American National Red Cross and its national and international status: DEPARTMENT OF STATE. _The Honorable the Secretary of War_: SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you copy of a letter addressed to the President under date of the twentieth inst., by Messrs. Levi P. Morton, Henry C. Potter, D.D., William T. Wardwell, George F. Shrady, M.D., and A. Monae Lesser, M.D., a special committee appointed by the American National Red Cross Relief Committee, in regard to the work proposed to be undertaken by that organization for the purpose of providing financial and material support to the work of the American National Red Cross, of which latter Miss Clara Barton is president. The proposal has the President's cordial approbation in view of the distinctive position of the American National Red Cross as the sole central organization in the United States in affiliation with the International Committee of Berne, and through it with the Central Red Cross Committees which have been formed in every country which has adhered to the Geneva Convention of 1864.