United War Work Campaig I Letter of president Wilson "The White House, "Washington, Sept. 3, 1918. "My Dear Mr. Fosdick: "May I not call your attention to a matter which has been recently engaging my thought not a little? "The War Department has recognized the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, the Young Women's Christian Association, the National Catholic War Council [Knights of Columbus], the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salva- tion Army as accepted instrumentalities through which the men in the ranks are to be assisted in many essential matters of recreation and morale. "It was evident from the first, and has become increasingly evident, that the services rendered by these agencies to our army and to our allies are essentially one and all of a kind and must of necessity, if well rendered, be ren- dered in the closest co-operation. It is my judgment, therefore, that we shall secure the best results in the matter of the support of these agencies, if these seven societies will unite their forthcoming appeals for funds, in order that the spirit of the country in this matter may be expressed without distinction of race or religious opinion in support of what is in reality a common service. "This point of view is sustained by the necessity, which the war has forced upon us, of limiting our appeals for funds in such a way that two or three comprehensive campaigns shall take the place of a series of inde- pendent calls upon the generosity of the country. "Will you not, therefore, as Chairman of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, be good enough to request the societies in question to com- bine their approaching appeals for funds in a single campaign, preferably during the week of Nov. 11, so that in their solicitation of funds as well as in their work in the field, they may act in as complete co-operation and fellowship as possible? "In inviting these organizations to give this new evidence of their patriotic co-operation, I wish it distinctly understood that their compliance with this request will not in any sense imply the surrender on the part of any of them of its distinctive character and autonomy, because I fully recog- nize the fact that each of them has its own traditions, principles, and rela- tionships which it properly prizes and which, if preserved and strengthened, make possible the largest service. "At the same time, I would be obliged if you would convey to them from me a very warm expression of the Government's appreciation of the splendid service they have rendered in ministering to the troops at home and overseas in their leisure time. Through their agencies the moral and spiritual resources of the nation have been mobilized behind our forces and used in the finest way, and they are contributing directly and effectively to the winning of the war. "It has been gratifying to find such a fine spirit of co-operation among all the leaders of the organizations I have mentioned. This spirit and the patriotism of all the members and friends of these agencies, give me confi- dence to believe that the united war work campaign will be crowned with abundant success. "Cordially and sincerely yours, "WooDRow Wilson." II MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COOPERATING ORGANIZATIONS (Adopted September 4, 1918) It is agreed by the National War Work Council of the Young Men's Christian Associations, the War Work Council of the National Board of the Young Women's Christian Associations, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association and the Salvation Army 1. That there shall be a joint campaign for funds during the week beginning November 11, 1918. 2. That by joint campaign we mean, so far as it can be brought about, a campaign undertaken through the agency of consolidated committees rather than seven separate campaigns in the same week. 3. That each society will adopt a joint pledge card. 4. That the committee organization now installed throughout the country for the collection of funds be disturbed as little as possible, and that the policy of addition rather than elimination be advised. 5. That in so far as the campaign has a name it shall be called the "United War Work Campaign" followed by the names of the seven organiza- tions participating. 6. That Mr. Cleveland H. Dodge be the national treasurer and that the moneys collected in the States be paid to him for proper distribution among the societies. 7. That all funds collected be distributed on a pro rata basis among the seven societies participating in the campaign; that is, the funds received shall be divided among the participating organizations in such proportion as the total budget of each organization bears to the sum total of the combined budgets. The budget estimates and percentages are as follows: National War Work Council of the Young Men's Christian Associations.. $1 00,000,000.. ..58.65% War Work Council of the National Board of the Young Women's Chris- tian Associations $15,000,000.... 8.80% National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus) $30,000,000....17.60% Jewish Welfare Board $3,500,000.... 2.05% War Camp Community Service $15,000,000.... 8.80%o American Library Association $3,500,000.... 2.05% Salvation Army $3,500,000.... 2.05% 8. That specified or restricted subscriptions shall not be asked for, but if given, shall be credited to the particular association, such amount to be a part of the total and not an addition to it. 9. That the advertising which each organization has planned for it- self proceed as planned but that some advertising be advised in the name of the United War Work Campaign. 10. That the expenses incurred in joint work in connection with the drive be paid on a pro rata basis. 11. That Mr. George W. Perkins and Dr. John R. Mott for the Young Men's Christian Association; Mrs. Henry P. Davison for the Young Women's Christian Association; Mr. John G. Agar and Mr. James J. Phelan for the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus) ; Mr. Mortimer L. Schiff for the Jewish Welfare Board; Honorable Myron T. Herrick for the War Camp Community Service; Mr. Frank A. Vanderlip for the American Library Association ; Mr. George Gordon Battle for the Salvation Army; and Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Chairman of the Great Union Drive for New York City, and Mr. Cleveland H. Dodge as Treasurer ex officio, act together under the chairmanship of Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick of the Commission on Training Camp Activities of the War Department, or their alternates, in settling any questions between the seven organizations participating in this agreement or in handling, any arrangements which have to be dealt with jointly, and, at the invitation of the Secretary of War, to discuss and adjust matters relating to the work of the several organizations which might involve duplication in the expenditure of money and effort at home and abroad.