Food Administrator’s File
The Food Administrator ( Hoover) to the Food Administration Representative at London ( Sheldon)
95. Your 168. Present export of beef from the United States represents about what can be counted on. It can be continued and gradually somewhat increased as freezer facilities enlarge. It would not embarrass our problems if beef export were somewhat decreased [Page 554] but we do not desire it and should be kept informed in advance.
Pork situation is very different. Stocks are large and prospects of increased production good. Necessary in order to hold this favorable situation that we have steady and large orders particularly in fall and winter months. Question of how cured or whether frozen is entirely question of transport under weather conditions. Mild cure during summer will require refrigerator transport.
Appreciably lower prices for beef or pork are inconsistent with our promises to farmers and with continuation production on present scale. On general question we are clear that we must insist that on account our production situation United States meat exports should continue to be largely pork.
Tentative pork program 10,000 tons British Army, 15,000 British civilian and perhaps 15,000 French and Italian civilian is small but would not embarrass us for summer months but prefer your suggestion of 50,000 tons monthly. But by fall desirable that very much heavier pork orders be made which we should like to see at about 100,000 tons monthly for all Allied requirements. Any part of this may be frozen or mild cure if refrigeration available. United States packers can continue storage of accumulated pork on this side if regular program assured.
Orders of shipment through June recently placed by Allied Provisions Export Commission total about 120,000 tons pork. No promises made beyond June shipment nor beyond this order. Packers expressly told we are not informed beyond that date.
Official figures commercial stock frozen pork 112,000,000 pounds, cut pork meats 800,000,000 which is well above usual domestic demand, but these stocks not highly significant except to show our ability to respond to emergency calls. Practically we expect to be able to fill future pork requisitions by Allies even if larger than March and April shipments.
We will see Allied Provisions Export Commission on this side. Believe their views coincide with ours.
Please ask Durand proceed France, Italy and attempt to ascertain facts as to this situation fully before July 1 at about which time Cotton and I expect to come over to consult on whole food program.