World Emergency, 1936-1946

Documents concerning YWCA war relief activities in Romania and South America. During World War II, the YWCA of the U.S.A. cooperates with the World YWCA, YWCA organizations around the world, and other relief agencies to assist with the global cause. War relief activities include operating hostess houses, refugee relief, financial support, health aid and supplying provisions. Many refugees travel through or seek refuge in Romania and the YWCA assists in providing for the needs of the refugees. Polish refugees in particular need assistance as they flee their country. Reports and correspondence contain accounts of the conditions in Romania, outline the needs for the war emergency work and request additional support or supplies. In South American and Latin American countries the effect of the war varies. Some letters notes that the war affects the people only financially or in lack of supplies. Other countries such as Argentina see refugees from Europe. In Argentina the effects of the war are complicated by internal political struggles. Correspondence and reports outline the political situations and its affect on YWCA activities. In addition to political struggles, Argentina sees conflicts between protestant and catholic organizations and people sometimes complicating the work of the protestant YWCA activities. World War II has a more direct effect on the people of Brazil as they are actively involved and host United States military bases. Letters and reports from Brazil describe the YWCA cooperation with the USO to serve military men in Brazil, assistance to employed women during wartime work and war work training programs.