868.48/3282: Telegram
The Chargé in Sweden (Greene) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:23 p.m.]
2686. Legation’s 2594, September 21, 6 p.m.55 Foreign Office states following just received from Greek Relief Committee of Action.
Committee has taken over supplying of bread to population of Athens and Piraeus. Ministry has been eliminated. Wheat is delivered directly to mills. Output after milling 75%. Exclusive rights and full control has been secured to dispose of product of mills Sankt, Geori and Attike. Profits and expenses at mills and bakeries now subject to control. Bread price fixed without commercial consideration only covering transportation, milling and general costs. Any surplus obtained is used to compensate prices or for gratis distribution. To lessen possibility of cheating it has been prescribed that ratio between flour delivered and bread supplies shall not be less than 100 to 140. Bakeries convicted of negligence will be closed permanently. Control of 700 bakeries is being successively established. Pending completion of Commission’s own distribution organization lists for requisitioning of bakery flour are being examined and endorsed. Bread card system also examined to reduce excessive cards. Establishment of new bread card system under control of Commission being considered. Normal ration is 190 grams; extra rations given only to certain sick persons and public utility workmen. General plan will be ready shortly covering distribution to provinces. Cyclades will come first as need there greatest. Preparations also being made for Patras and Peloponnesus. Distribution of bran in exchange for milk for children and sick persons being organized to exclude interests of occupying powers in future. Preparations being made for distribution under satisfactory control of medical stores.
- Not printed.↩