The huge relief needs of the refugee populations that sought shelter in Greece after the Catastrophe were initially met by the resources of the Greek state and the assistance of private humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross. Amongst the first measures implemented were the setting up of temporary camps and the provision of soup kitchens. But the problem of a wider policy of resettlement remained urgent.
However, the country's diminished credibility in the world market, the great imbalance of the state budget and severe continuing inflation undermined the credit standing of the country. After strenuous and time-consuming negotiations, and thanks to the mediation of the League of Nations, in 1924 a loan of £12,300,000 sterling was contracted, albeit on rather disadvantageous terms for Greece. Its management was assigned to the Refugee Settlement Commission (EAP), which was charged with the task of relieving the largely impoverished population. Apart from the concession of land, the Greek state proceeded to provide other resources (beasts of burden, tools etc.), in an attempt to revive agricultural production.