Paris Peace Conf. 180.0501/27
Supreme Economic Council: Twenty-seventh Meeting Held at the Ministry
of Commerce [on 17th July, 1919, at 2:30 p.m.]
July 17, 1919, 2:30 p.m.
The Supreme Economic Council held its Twenty-seventh Meeting on Thursday,
the 17th of July, 1919, at 2:30 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Mr.
Hoover. The Associated Governments were represented as follows:—
| America, United States of |
Dr. Taylor. |
|
Mr. Dulles. |
| British Empire |
Mr. Wise. |
|
Mr. Waley. |
| France |
M. Clémentel. |
|
M. Claveille. |
|
M. Celier. |
|
M. Seydoux. |
| Italy |
Signor Crespi. |
| Belgium |
Major Bemelmans. |
261.
The Minutes of the Twenty-sixth meeting were approved.
262. Shipments From German Austria to
Serbia.
A cable from the Chief of the American Relief Mission at Vienna to the
Director-General of Relief, dated the 14th July (242), reporting that
the Italian Military Mission at Vienna were insisting on specific
permission for each shipment of steel and other bridge materials from
German Austria to Serbia, and requesting that general authority might be
given for the passage of these goods when in exchange for foodstuffs,
was submitted.
The Italian Delegates pointed out that Italy has a certain responsibility
with reference to the materials of war to be divided between the Allied
Governments under the terms of the Armistice agreement, and submitted
that definite arrangements should be made to carry this division into
effect.
They added that, until such action had been taken, it was impossible for
the Italian Government to agree to the removal of all control on the
passage from German Austria of such materials as those referred to
above, although they did not propose actually to suggest that the
shipments should cease.
The Italian Government undertook that immediate steps should be taken to
ensure that the shipment to Serbia of the bridge materials [Page 471] in question should be allowed to
proceed and facilitated to the utmost.
It was agreed that the question of the partition of materials of war in
German Austria should be referred for consideration as an emergency
matter to the Commission formulating the terms of the Austrian
Reparation Clauses.
263. Use of Ex-Enemy Tonnage.
Memorandum from the Freight Committee of the Food Section (243) was
submitted regarding:—
- (a)
- The provision of 34,000 tons of German tonnage for the
shipment of wheat purchased by the German Government in the
Argentine, to arrive in September or early October.
- (b)
- The provision of tonnage to lift 30,000 tons of wheat from the
Argentine to German Austria for loading during the last half of
July or early August.
The Chairman stated that, subject to ratification by the United States
Shipping Board, the American Delegation would agree to waive their right
to replacement by ex-enemy tonnage of tonnage used for the transport of
American supplies to various relief centres, upon the condition that the
Supreme Economic Council would accept the above proposals.
The Belgian Delegates referred to the question of using Antwerp as a port
of discharge for supplies purchased by the German Government in the
Argentine (see Minute 246 (i)), and a note from the Freight Section
(244), recording the action taken regarding this matter, was noted.
The Belgian Delegates pointed out that a large proportion of the cereals
from Argentine to Germany had, previously to the war, passed through the
port of Antwerp, and requested that definite instructions might be
issued to the effect that the immediate re-establishment of this traffic
through Antwerp, at least up to the pre-war amount, might be effected,
within the limits of the supplies available.
It was agreed:—
- (a)
- That authority should be given for the allocation of 34,000
tons of German tonnage for the transport to Germany of cereals
purchased in the Argentine, and making arrival in September or
early October.
- (b)
- That it should be made a condition of this allocation of
tonnage for transport of supplies to Germany that as large a
quantity as possible of the total supplies shipped from the
Argentine to Germany, at least up to the pre-war proportions, as
between Antwerp and Rotterdam, should be discharged through the
port of Antwerp.
- (c)
- That the supply of ex-enemy tonnage making July/August loading
and required to lift 30,000 tons of wheat from the Argentine to
German Austria should be sanctioned.
- (d)
- That freight rates based on Blue Book rates should apply as
regards all tonnage carrying foodstuffs to German Austria as
well as Germany.
With reference to the report from the Freight Committee regarding the
surplus German tonnage on charter to the United States Food
Administration and lying in the United States ports, the Chairman
reported that only three or four boats remained, and arrangements were
being made, if possible, to cancel the charters, in which case the boats
would be handed back to the Allied Maritime Transport Executive for
re-allocation.
264. Russian Prisoners in
Germany.
A memorandum, dated the 15th July (245), submitted to Council of Heads of
Delegations1 by the Director-General of
Belief, regarding the arrangements to be made for the immediate support
and subsequent repatriation of Russian prisoners in Germany, was
submitted for the information of and consideration by the Council.
It was agreed to recommend to the Council of Heads of Delegations that
all responsibility for the revictualling and support of these prisoners
until they are repatriated should devolve upon the Military authorities
of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers, and to urge the necessity
of an immediate definition of policy, in view of the pressing nature of
the problem.
265. Finance of Austrian Food
Supplies.
With reference to Minute 256, the letter regarding the provision of
further food supplies to German Austria, sent by the Director-General of
Belief to the Council of Heads of Delegations2 (246), in
accordance with the decision reached by the Supreme Economic Council,
was submitted for information.
266. Re-Establishment of Postal
Communications With Germany.
The British Delegates reported receipt of a letter from the British
Foreign Office, dated the 11th July (247), enquiring as to the policy of
the Supreme Economic Council regarding the reopening of a mail service
to occupied and unoccupied Germany, was considered.
It was agreed:—
(a) That a Sub-Committee, composed of the
following members:—
| United States of America |
Commander Baker, |
| British Empire |
General Mance, |
| France |
M. Seydoux, |
| Italy |
Commendatore Sinigaglia, |
|
Commendatore Fiori, |
| Belgium |
M. le Comte de Laubespin, |
[Page 473]
with power to act, should be formed to make arrangements
for the reopening of the service. In the event of any difficulty
arising, the matter would be referred back to the Council.2a
(b) That the first meeting of the Committee should
be held on Friday, the 18th July, at 10:30 a.m., at 27, Rue de
Constantine.
267. Interchange of Goods Between the
Countries of Central Europe.
A cable from the Allied Railway and Food Missions at Warsaw, dated the
13th July (248), regarding the resumption and regulation of the
interchange of goods, such as potatoes and coal, between Poland on the
one hand and Germany, German Austria and Czecho-Slovakia on the other
hand, was reported.
It was agreed:—
- (a)
- That the proposals made by the Allied Railway and Food
Missions should be submitted to the Council of Heads of
Delegations for their approval.
- (b)
- That, if they so desired, the Italian Government should be at
liberty to appoint a representative on the Commissions to be
formed at the places of transit, with a view to supervising the
carrying out of the regulations in connection with the passage
of the goods.
268. Passage of Foodstuffs to
Armenia.
A Memorandum (249), prepared by the Director-General of Relief, and
submitted to the Council of Heads of Delegations,3 regarding the stoppage by the Georgian
authorities of foodstuffs intended by the Allied and Associated
Governments for the relief of Russian Armenia, was submitted for the
information of the Council.
Appendix 242
Shipments From German Austria to
Serbia
Following telegram sent to Mr. Hoover by Captain Gregory, Chief of
the American Mission, at Vienna.
“Vienna, July 14, 1919.
Hoover
Paris.
Italian military mission here is insisting on necessity of
specific permission granted by it for each shipment steel and
bridge materials shipped by Austrians to Serb Kingdom. This
material shipped as compensation for foodstuffs and delays
occasioned by Italian attitude are irritating Serbs who though
[sic] cut off food shipments from
Banat. Will you please have a resolution passed at next meeting
[Page 474] Supreme Economic
Council covering these shipments in block as Italian Mission
here claims to act in this matter under authority Supreme
Economic Council.
Gregory”
Appendix 2434
(1) Memorandum
From the Freight Committee Regarding Tonnage for German
Purchases in the Argentine
The following cable has been received from W. H. Muller & Co.,
The Hague:—
“Please inform Captain Elliot over and above hundred and
thirty five thousand tons we have further engagement with
German buyers, and they inform us that they will receive
total two hundred and fifty thousand tons freight by
Economic Council. We shall be obliged if Captain Elliot
could confirm this, and when he will request Charter Parties
to be signed.”
The figure of 250,000 tons, no doubt, arises from the fact that some
months ago the Germans were informed by the Paris Finance Committee,
that it was estimated that there would be 250,000 tons of German
tonnage to make June/July’s loading in the Argentine.
The Freight Committee understand from the A. M. T. E. that Germany is
entitled only to use of German tonnage making arrival in Germany by
the 31st August.
The actual amount of German tonnage which on present estimation has
loaded, or will load, in the Argentine to make arrival in Europe by
about the 31st August, is about 230,000 tons deadweight.
Of the tonnage composing this figure 70,000 tons have been loaded by
the Wheat Executive for Allied destinations, owing to the fact that
the Compañía Mercantil stopped loading after completing the first
four vessels allocated to them against their sales to Germany, on
the ground that they had not been able to get the necessary cover
from the Germans to enable them to sign the charters.
The German tonnage, therefore, available for Germany is reduced to
160,000.
The original purchases notified by Messrs. Muller amounted to 135,000
tons wheat and 20,000 linseed, and a further purchase of 50,000 tons
has recently been concluded, making the total purchases by Germany
205,000 tons cargo, or, say, 228,000 deadweight.
Against these purchases the Freight Committee have allocated 194,000
tons of tonnage, including 32,000 tons of French managed Austrian
tonnage.
[Page 475]
It appears not unreasonable that the Germans should have the use of
228,000 deadweight tonnage in all having regard to the fact that the
loss to the Germans of the 70,000 tons above referred to was
primarily due to the fact that the Germans were asked to convert
their f. o. b. contract with the mercantile into a c. i. f. contract
in order to simplify the collection of freight.
This will involve giving the Germans a further 34,000 tons of German
tonnage making arrival in September or early October.
The Freight Committee desire a decision of the Supreme Economic
Council as to whether this tonnage should be allocated to Germany,
and whether rates based on British Blue Book rates should apply. The
A. M. T. E. raises no objection, provided that the names of the
vessels to make up the figure of 34,000 tons are submitted to the A.
M. T. E. for approval.
(2) Supplies
for German Austria Arriving After End of Cereal Year
The Freight Committee have considered the question of the proposed
supply of tonnage to lift 30,000 tons Wheat from the Argentine to
German Austria last half July/August loading.
Assuming that enemy tonnage is to be utilised for Germany in
accordance with the programme set out in (1) above the following
enemy tonnage is in position to meet the requirements of Austria:—
- July loading—
- Italian managed (Austrian), Epidaure, Laguna,
- French managed (Austrian), Buda,
- August loading—
- Italian managed (Austrian), Maria Immacolata.
with a later August German vessel to be
arranged.
The Italian Delegate has, however, pointed out that no relief
programme has been sanctioned by the Supreme Economic Council in
respect of arrivals after the end of the current cereal year, and
that the Italian position does not permit of Italy surrendering
tonnage which might otherwise be available for the carrying of
foodstuffs to Italy. Further, in view of the falling off of cereal
arrivals in Italy during August, the Italian Delegate has asked that
Great Britain should waive in favour of Italy her claim for
replacement of tonnage used by Great Britain in sending supplies for
Germany, which is being met in part by allocating to Great Britain
some of the cargoes shipped by the Wheat Executive from the
Argentine in German tonnage.
The view of the Freight Committee is that in the event of the Supreme
Economic Council deciding that this claim of Austria ought [Page 476] to be met, it should be
possible to arrange tonnage as above if it is found practicable to
improve August arrivals in Italy by the allocation to Italy of some
surplus German tonnage.
In this connection the attention of the Freight Committee has been
drawn to the fact that according to the statement of the American
Food Administration, dated the 5th of July, a block of German
tonnage amounting to 137,000 tons now on charter to the United
States Food Administration has arrived in United States ports for
nearly a month.
No claims on this tonnage by Germany has been received by the Freight
Committee.
If this tonnage is not required for Germany, and, if the United
States do not propose to load this tonnage for relief purposes, it
is anticipated that it may be possible to arrange with the Shipping
authorities to improve the Italian August position, and so enable
Italian managed vessels in the Argentine to be put into the Austrian
programme.
On the question of the rates to be charged to Austria the following
minute has been received from the Finance Committee of the A. M. T.
E. to whom the A. M. T. E. has referred this point.
“The Committee were of opinion that there was no obligation to
allow the Austrian Government any special consideration as
regard the rates of freight to be charged, and therefore freight
rates on a commercial basis should be fixed. It was, however,
decided to obtain the sanction of the Supreme Economic Council
before enforcing this decision, in case it might be desired to
allow some consideration in view of the difficult position of
German Austria.
“The Italian representative stated, however, that recent
commercial rates to Rotterdam were higher than those to Genoa,
and therefore he thought it should be considered whether it
would not be more economical to import this wheat through
Trieste. The Committee thought that this point ought to receive
careful consideration, in view of the much greater distance by
land from Rotterdam to Austria. The Committee decided to
recommend to the Supreme Economic Council that this should be
allowed.”
The Freight Committee therefore desire that the Supreme Economic
Council should be asked to decide:—
- 1.
- Whether the Austrian request for 30,000 tons of tonnage
should be met out of enemy tonnage although the supplies
will not arrive until after the end of the cereal
year.
- 2.
- Whether Austria should be given the advantage of rates
based on British Blue Book rates, and
- 3.
- Whether the German tonnage now in United States Ports is
required for Germany for Relief purposes.
[Page 477]
Appendix 244
Minute from Freight Committee
[Regarding] Use of
Antwerp as a Port of Discharge for German Food Supplies
With reference to the second paragraph of the letter from the Allied
Maritime Transport Executive (90) regarding the request of the
Belgian Government for the selection of Antwerp as a port of
discharge for Government vessels carrying mercantile wheat from the
Plate for Germany, it was agreed that the Freight Committee had no
authority over the ports of discharge, this being entirely a matter
for the charterers, Messrs. Muller & Co., to arrange.
It was decided to ask Messrs. Muller & Co., to consider
sympathetically the request of the Belgian Government and to
endeavour to arrange for some of the vessels to be chartered by them
to discharge at Antwerp, the option for which was given in the
Charter parties.
Appendix 245
Memorandum Submitted [by the Director General of Relief (Hoover)] to Council of
Heads of Delegations Regarding Russian Prisoners in
Germany
It will be recollected that the Allied Governments made certain
agreements with the Germans for the retention of Russian prisoners
in Germany, and made undertakings for the support of these prisoners
by the Allied Governments. Their food supply and support has been
carried out through the French Government, the British Red Cross,
the American Red Cross, with a personnel of some 800 Allied
officers, doctors, &c., under the general direction of the
Inter-Allied Military Mission at Berlin. The Supreme Economic
Council was appealed to to arrange for such food supply, and the
measures above recited were finally, to a considerable degree,
instituted at the inspiration of that Council.
The British Red Cross have already notified of the withdrawal of
their entire personnel on the 1st August. This will immediately
leave some 35,000 of the prisoners without supervision. The American
army will necessarily demobilise their entire personnel some time in
the month of August. The Red Cross societies are withdrawing their
financial support and the funds for the provision of food and
clothing (except those provided by the French Government) are
absolutely exhausted, and I understand that even these are about to
be withdrawn. The Supreme Economic Council has no means by which any
further provision can be made in this matter.
[Page 478]
The retention of these prisoners was primarily a military measure
instituted under the Allied Military authorities and it would appear
to me must now become a proper concern of the various War
Departments. There are apparently about 250,000 prisoners left, of
whom it is desired to repatriate approximately 25,000 as recruits to
the Russian Northern Army. Of the balance, some 40,000 should be
repatriated to Southern Russia and the remainder to Central Russia.
The prisoners are largely Bolshevik, which may have a political
bearing on the destinations to which they are repatriated. In any
event, it is necessary to provide at once some measure for food,
clothing and personnel to supervise distribution pending
repatriation, and beyond this it is necessary to immediately provide
for their repatriation. This latter operation will require some
months, but they must be repatriated before winter.
I understand the German authorities are demanding the immediate
repatriation of these prisoners, as it requires a force of some
18,000 German troops to guard them. The prisoners themselves are
demanding their repatriation. I understand that their boots and
clothing are in such condition that they cannot be marched to any
destination and, in any event, they would probably indulge in
brigandage unless repatriated under military supervision.
The points therefore to be decided are:—
- 1.
- Are the prisoners to be repatriated at once?
- 2.
- Are they to be repatriated to the nearest Russian point
through Poland?
- 3.
- Are they to be repatriated by sea to Black Sea
ports?
- 4.
- If either of these alternatives, who is to pay for the
cost thereof, and who is to undertake it?
- 5.
- Who is to furnish the food and personnel for their care in
the meantime?
I would like to emphasise that the relief agencies under
co-ordination through the Supreme Economic Council have now
practically exhausted their resources and cannot take part in this
matter, so that other arrangements must be set up at the earliest
possible moment.
Herbert Hoover
July 15, 1919.
Appendix 246
[Letter From the Director General of
Relief (Hoover) Requiring] Finance of Austrian Food
Supplies
My Dear Mr. Lansing: As you are aware, we
have been for many months providing large food supplies for the
State of German Austria. [Page 479]
The financial cycle that we have set up between Allied and
Associated Governments’ for this end will have exhausted itself by
the end of August, with the provision of about 80,000,000 dollars of
supplies. Austria must receive continuous relief in food thereafter,
and it must also be provided with raw materials during the whole of
next year. The conditions of the Treaty are such that the entire
financial resources of Austria are placed at the disposal of the
Separations Commission. It is therefore utterly impossible to
arrange any credits or finance to Austria except by the activities
of this Commission.
It is also necessary to give some assurance to Austria, at the
earliest moment, that further food is going to be provided, or that
Government is likely to collapse before the Treaty can be signed.
The Supreme Economic Council therefore yesterday directed me to lay
before the Council of Five the suggestion that a communication
should be given to the Austrian Delegates in Paris to somewhat the
following effect:—
“In respect to the request laid before the Supreme Economic
Council from the Austrian Delegates, that provision of
further food supplies should be immediately undertaken by
the Allied and Associated Governments, this request has been
laid before the Council of Five, and the Council wishes to
state that as food and raw materials for Austria during the
forthcoming year are fundamental to her recuperation and her
ability to make reparation, the method of provision of such
food and raw material will be one of the first
considerations of the Reparations
Commission.”
For the information of the Council of Five I enclose herewith, first,
a note from myself on the economic situation of Austria, and,
second, copy of the communications to the Supreme Economic Council
from the Austrian Delegates5 in
respect to this matter.
Faithfully yours,
[Enclosure]
Austria
It is obvious to the most superficial observer that the present
economic resources of the State of German Austria are incapable of
supporting the population of seven and one-half million people for
at least another year. A large part of this population has for
generations lived on the empire with its centralisation of political
life, finance, economic, and educational institutions, and a
population has been thereby created totally incapable of supporting
itself when denuded of its hinterland. Its future lies not only in
full production of such resources as exist, but also in the
establishment of an economic equilibrium by migration. To restart
the established industries involves [Page 480] credits, reorganised currency, raw material,
&c. The establishment of such equilibrium cannot take place for
a year at least, and the very insistent fact stands out that to
prevent sheer starvation the population will need to be fed and
furnished with raw materials on credit continuously. The food
production of this year’s harvest in Austria would not, even if it
could be uniformly distributed, last the population more than three
months. As the peasant population will undoubtedly retain its twelve
months’ supply, it means that the probable food intake to the city
populations from the State itself does not exceed six or eight
weeks. With the completion of the present relief programme, at the
1st September, foodstuffs will have been furnished to Austria, since
the Armistice, aggregating a total value of nearly 80,000,000
dollars. The programme for the next twelve months will cost probably
150,000,000 dollars, and even this would be insufficient to maintain
order unless raw material can also be found and as much of the
population as possible returned to production. Without this
assistance the ultimate payment of reparation by Austria does not
seem to be very probable.
It is necessary, therefore, to give some consideration at an early
moment to the fate of these people, and if any reparation is to be
expected their economic situation must be taken in hand at an early
date with the hope that it can be ultimately built up to a point
where their surplus production may yield something for indemnities.
The economic rehabilitation of Austria cannot be effected without
establishing equitable relationship between Austria and the
surrounding States as to communications and customs union.
If this problem is to be accomplished, there must be some central
authority whose position is such that it can enforce its economic
will not only in Austria but in the surrounding States, and who can
secure for Austria the necessary credits for raw material, food,
&c. Under the terms of the Treaty, this authority not only
exists in the Reparations Commission but it would be impossible for
any form of organisation to operate outside of the Commission. It is
therefore of acute importance that as quickly as the Austrian Treaty
is signed the Reparations Commission should be set up, so that it
may secure the initiation of the necessary measures.
The matter is one of extreme urgency, as all of the funds available
for Austrian relief will have been expended by the 1st September,
and there will scarcely be more than the sequent month to make
arrangements for further supplies if collapse in this State is to be
prevented.
Herbert Hoover
July 11, 1919.
[Page 481]
Appendix 247
Foreign Office, July 11,
1919.
Re-establishment of Postal
Communications With Germany
The following despatch regarding the re-establishment of postal
communications with Germany has been communicated to the British
Delegates:—
“Sir: In connection with the issue on the 24th May last by
the Board of Trade of a general licence to persons in this
country to negotiate for the supply of foodstuffs to
Germany, to carry or arrange for the carriage of such
foodstuffs, and to take such action as may be necessary to
secure payment for any such foodstuffs, the
Postmaster-General has called my attention to the fact that,
as a consequence of the issue of this licence, persons in
this country will seek to communicate directly by letter
with unoccupied as well as with occupied Germany, and that a
demand will arise for direct parcel post facilities. The
question (1) of the reopening of the mail service to the
occupied territories of Germany and (2) whether such a
service, if established, should include all kinds of postal
packages, including sample packages and parcels, must
therefore be considered. It is understood that such a
service could be established at short notice if
authorised.
“It would appear desirable that in this matter the Associated
Governments should act in a similar manner and
simultaneously, and I should therefore be glad if you would
submit this matter at an early date to the Supreme Economic
Council in order to obtain a general decision.
“I am, [etc.],
(For Earl Curzon of Kedleston)
Gerald
Spicer.”
Appendix 248
Telegram Received From Colonel
Wyndham, Warsaw
Allied Railway and Food Missions to Supreme Economic Council. Please
convey what follows to German Government through Conference.
“As recently agreed between Poland on one hand, and Germany,
German Austria and Czecho-Slovakia on the other hand,
interchange of goods such as potatoes and coal must be resumed
on and after the 20th July from these points: Hohensakza,
Bromberg, Krcz, Bentschen, Lissa, Adelnau, Kempen.
“Allied Governments insist that German Government shall give an
official undertaking not to incite or support any aggressive
measure on the frontier or dividing lines between Germany and
Poland, Posen included.
“On both sides of places above mentioned, for a space of 10
kilom., places of frontier guard (Grenzschutz) to be taken at once by same number of
regular soldiers.
[Page 482]
“Allies will place Commission of American, British, and French
officers at said places of transit to supervise the carrying out
of these regulations by both parties. Headquarters of Commission
to be at Posen, attached to Allied Military Delegation.
Commission to be made up at Bromberg of four officers, namely,
two for Bromberg and two for Stentsch; for other points, one
officer each.
“Whether German Government gives proper instructions or not,
exchange of goods to commence on the 20th July in any case.
“Frontier guard to be replaced in shortest possible time.
“On the 12th July, Government decided to open frontier posts
above mentioned, and requested that enough officers might be
sent there to take notice of how many regular troops were sent
in place of frontier guard.”
Appendix 249
Memorandum [by the Director General of Relief (Hoover)] Submitted to Council of Heads
of Delegations Regarding Interference by Georgian Republic With
Foodstuffs Destined for Armenia
The Relief Administration, co-operating with the various Allied
authorities, has been for months striving to meet the terrible
situation of starvation in Russian Armenia. Some 50,000 tons of food
have been provided and the only method of access to this area is
over the railway from Batoum, and this railway is in the territory
of the so-called Georgian Government. The railway is operating
partially under the direction of the British military authorities,
who have given every co-operation in the endeavour to move the
supplies. However, the Georgian authorities have constantly
interfered with the movement, have repeatedly demanded that they
should be given a portion of the foodstuffs, and have latterly
stopped the movement of the traffic four or five days at a time,
despite the protests of all of the local Allied officials.
It is impossible to depict the situation in Armenia, for until the
last sixty days the population has been eating the dead. During the
last two months the movement of relief supplies has been sufficient
to somewhat stem the tide, but there never has been ten days’
supplies ahead of actual starvation. There is no acute necessity for
foodstuffs in Georgia, although in an endeavour to secure some
co-operation from, the Georgian Government we have allowed ourselves
to be blackmailed from time to time in the matter. I will not repeat
the correspondence on the question between our officials and the
Georgian Government. It is sufficient to say that their attitude has
been entirely that of brigandage, against a population dying in
their door. The last advices which we have indicate that these
authorities have stopped our transport for a week at a time.
[Page 483]
I quite realise that the situation is one beyond the strength of the
Allied military forces at present in occupation in the Caucasus, but
I am well aware of the aspirations of the Georgian authorities for
consideration before the Supreme Council. I believe it might do some
good if the Council could despatch a very strongly worded telegram
to the Georgian authorities through their own representatives, and
if the Georgian representatives in Paris were given information to
the same import. My suggestion is that the telegram should be
phrased in somewhat the following manner:—
“The Council has been made aware of the interference of the
Georgian authorities with food supplies being sent into
Armenia in an endeavour on the part of the Allied
Governments to stem the tide of starvation and death amongst
these unfortunate people. The Council cannot state in too
strong terms that it will not tolerate such interference,
and that the action taken hitherto by the Georgian
authorities and the continuation of such action must
entirely prejudice the case of the Georgian authorities, not
only before this Council but before the court of public
opinion of the world. The Council therefore expects that the
authorities in Georgia shall not only give the privilege of
transportation over the railway routes which they at present
control, but will devote themselves to assisting in the
transmission of these supplies without more than the normal
charge and remuneration for such service. The Council awaits
the reply of the authorities in Georgia as to whether or not
they are prepared to acquiesce in this
arrangement.[”]
Herbert Hoover
July 16, 1919.
