Dr. M. Louise Hurrell's report to AWH Committee

After the armistice was signed, conditions improved slowly in France. People who had experienced the deprivations and devastation of war continued to suffer from its effects long after the fighting had ended: local violence, hunger, injuries, communicable diseases, forced migration, and inadequate housing. Railroads had either been deserted or destroyed during the war, making it difficult for the AWH doctors to receive the supplies they needed. However, the armistice also meant that the doctors who had served in the military were demobilized and able to return to their villages. While this certainly helped to lighten the workload for the AWH doctors, it was also the cause for issues between the French and American doctors. The AWH doctors had to negotiate with the French doctors, assuring them that they would see patients only with the approval of the mayor or the French doctors.

Working conditions continued to be difficult for the AWH doctors even after the war had ended with the armistice of November 1918. Transportation was especially important, and the impact of the poor access to railroads, cars, etc. in post-war France severely impacted the work of the AWH. Additionally, while the returning French doctors did not seem happy about the presence of the AWH, the villagers and mayors realized that the AWH had saved many communities from complete devastation and welcomed their aid.