811.20 (D) E.M.D.E./118: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 28—3:35 p.m.]
3251. For Secretary Morgenthau. Following up your cable 2657, July 18, 3 p.m., I had a conference this morning with the Chancellor of the Exchequer; Sir John Anderson, head of the Privy Council; Lord Portal, the Deputy Minister of Supply; and Lord Woolton, Minister of Food, on the handling of lend-lease articles and also discussed the question of the export of British materials in cases where they are asking us to supplement their own supplies with similar materials from the United States, for which there exists a shortage in the United States.
We were promised a statement within 48 hours. I believe they are making a genuinely sincere effort to meet the situation. I feel that the Anderson statement was so limited in scope that the Chancellor’s promised memorandum should be complete. I believe it will be so and that it will be supported by appropriate action.
Coe is assisting me. We will forward their conclusions for your criticism and comment as soon as the information is available.