845.5018/47: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Officer in Charge at New Delhi ( Merrell )
425. Your 583, August 26, 5 p.m. The Department is informed by the India Supply Mission that no wheat has yet been shipped from Canada or the United States, that the ISM73 is endeavoring to ship 5,000 tons during September, and that difficulties being encountered—including both shortage of ships and shortage of bags—render even this small shipment doubtful.
For your confidential information, it is not thought that American ships will be available to assist unless strong representations regarding the matter are made by the American military authorities in India. If the latter feel that the arrival of some grain from this continent would be helpful in forestalling developments prejudicial to such military effort as may be contemplated from India, a statement to that effect to the War Department by the CBI74 Command Would undoubtedly be very helpful. If you learn that any such representations are being made, the Department would appreciate being informed.