File No. 855.48/131
The Minister in Belgium (Whitlock) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8.40 p. m.]
I have received to-day assurances from Baron von Bissing, German Governor General in Belgium, that orders have been given forbidding all further requisitions of foodstuffs of whatever sort in Belgian territory occupied by German troops, and that the protection thus afforded covers cattle and their food as well. He will give any reiterated assurances that we may desire on any occasion, that foodstuffs will not be requisitioned, and that we may establish and maintain any kind of control that we may see fit to adopt in connection [Page 1024] with our relief work for the civil population. Similar assurances were given to my Spanish colleague.