840.48/3256: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany ( Kirk ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:05 p.m.]
336. Department’s 295, February 6, 6 p.m.8 The plan regarding relief in Poland which is now being considered by the German authorities is described in my 323, February 7, and is being endorsed both by Nicholson and Rhoads on the basis of developments following Nicholson’s and Gamble’s trip to Krakow. I am informed that this plan has been reported on favorably by officials in the Foreign Office and is being submitted to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for final decision whereupon other Government agencies involved will be called upon to pass on it. This procedure will require several days and both Nicholson and Gamble who are in close and constant touch with the various German officials involved advise that I withhold any representations on the matter at least for the moment.
As regards the contemplated statement to which the Department refers in its 295, February 6, 6 p.m., I am strongly of the opinion that in view of the apparently favorable course which the negotiations are now taking any such utterance at this time might jeopardize the entire plan of relief and in this opinion Nicholson, Rhoads and Gamble all concur.
- Not printed. Secretary Hull asked to be advised with respect to a report that “a representative of an organization not the Red Cross” outside the control of the Department was preparing to make a statement which might be critical of the German Government’s policy on Polish relief. (840.48/3238)↩