841.24/717: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—8:22 a.m.]
1274. The numerous telegrams from Colonel Piburn, Lend-Lease representative here, have described the conditions affecting the discharge of American vessels at Red Sea ports and although improvements in those conditions have been effected and constant efforts are apparently being exerted with a view to further amelioration I feel that the general situation is far from satisfactory with special reference to the speedy and efficient discharge of cargo and quick turnabout of the vessels in question. I urgently recommend therefore that the Maritime Commission send here immediately a ranking representative of American nationality with expert knowledge of all problems relating to the carriage of material on American vessels proceeding from United States ports to this area in order that an intensive study of those problems from this angle may be made and on the basis thereof recommendations be submitted for a more effective supply of much needed equipment to Middle East.