Mr.Hoover took Mr.
Shaler to Page, who immediately became sympathetic.

The Ambassador arranged an interview between Mr.Hoover and Sir Edward Grey, who likewise showed great interest and promised government support.

Soon afterward three Belgians arrived and described the situation as immediately alarming: Brussels had only food enough to feed the people for thirty-six hours; after that, unless help were forthcoming, the greatest distress would set in.

Five men--Page, the three Belgians, and Mr.Hoover--at once got together at the American Embassy.

Upon the result of that meeting hung the fate of millions of people.