WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM
September 2nd, 1924.
To all European Sections.
Dear Friends,
Since our League has been in existence, Jane Addams and the American members have provided most of the money for all kinds of propaganda, for the establishment and work of the Geneva office and for our political and reconciliation work.
This must not continue. Many of us feel that our work ought not financially to depend chiefly on one section, but that the sections of all countries should provide for it in [cooperation]. During the last few years it has been growing harder and harder for Jane Addams to collect the amount of money needed for the work of Headquarters, for missions and deputations; now, after the wonderful effort which the arrangement of the Washington Congress has meant for the American Section, the task will be still more difficult.
I beg, therefore, to suggest that we try to collect in Europe at least half of the money we need up to the time of our next Congress in 1926, i.e. about 40,00 Swiss francs. I know that it will be terribly hard in view of present economic conditions in Europe and of the financial status of our sections. But with the ardent desire to accomplish it, we shall find a way.
Let us do our best to induce rich people to make donations of considerable amounts; let us try to acquire new Associate Members paying 25 Swiss francs a year. [page 2]
You would oblige me very much by finding out and telling me before the 1st October for what share in the financial support of our League your section can pledge itself during the two years before the next Congress.
When I have received the answers of all the sections, I will tell you immediately whether my suggestion can be carried out. Would it not be splendid if we could send to Miss Addams the Christmas message that the European Sections will take charge of half the support of our work until the next Convention?
Although I am no longer an active member of the Executive Committee, when resigning from the board I promised to continue active [cooperation]; and just because I am no longer a responsible officer I feel the more entitled to make this suggestion.
Hoping very much that you will all help in carrying out my proposal, I am
Very sincerely yours,
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