File No. 855.48/802
The Chargé in Great Britain ( Laughlin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9.25 p.m.]
3034. For Hoover [from] C.R.B.:
138. Wednesday. At meeting of French, British, Belgian representatives under auspices Wheat Executive today, French Government stated they were in position to care for all immediate needs of their released population. It is understood British military [Page 492] will turn over as requested to Belgian intendance 20,000,000 rations for released territories. Belgian Government have 20,000,000 rations stored principally in Paris which they will immediately bring up. It is understood Belgian Government will approach French to obtain assurances from them that they may count on additional supplies if necessary for their liberated districts. I have suggested adjustments and settlements be made through Inter-Allied Food Council, London, and have told Belgians they must take up with United States concerning credits to cover same. Brown and Van den Branden starting today investigate conditions in Flanders. Have not yet heard from Germans regarding sending Rotterdam supplies into released territory.