I2 HUMAN LIFE IN RUSSIA
I was also active as a journalist), I found a stream of people
fleeing from Russia. In a state of mental and physical collapse,
with hollow cheeks and wearing the indescribable dull look
which even to-day is peculiar to refugees from Russia who are
fleeing from the famine, they were returning to their old home.
Their accounts of events in the "starving city" of Petrograd
were terrible, and it was certain that in the absence of rapid
help the lives of thousands would be imperilled.
Silence here was out of the question, especially for those who
felt themselves linked to the population of the former capital.
On November 13, 1920, the Rigasche Rundschau published an
account of the situation of the inhabitants of Petrograd,
written by myself, in which I appealed for help. In Riga and
abroad this account attracted a good deal of attention (it was
printed in the press of many countries). I published soon after
in the Rigasche Rundschau another article headed "Relief for
Petrograd," containing concrete suggestions for giving rapid
assistance to the population with the co-operation of the Soviet
Government. The readiness of the people of Riga to help now
manifested itself: the Red Cross and the Churches became
active. Within a few days an interconfessional committee was
formed, consisting of members of the various nationalities and
denominations.
But it soon appeared that local endeavours would, despite
all efforts, beinadequate to the task. This was a few weeks before
the first League of Nations Assembly at Geneva, and it was
natural that all concerned should turn their eyes to that city.
Surely it might be hoped that the new organization, which
was meant for the first time to unite the different states for
purposes of common action in accordance with higher prin-
ciples, might offer support or even solve the problem, A few
shiploads would have sufficed to bring relief to the people
starving in Petrograd.
Thus it came about that I went to Geneva about Christmas
1920 as representative of the Riga Relief Committee, con-