890F.24/9–844: Telegram
The Appointed Minister to Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 9—1:03 a.m.]
271. Re Legation’s 270, September 8, 3 [2] p.m. 50,000 tons plus pilgrimage supplies and reserve stocks constitutes substantial increase of 1944 supply program though still a compromise as I held irregular and uncontrollable dhow traffic should not be counted in imports at Government disposal. Figure was reached by taking 1944 import consumption as 65,000 tons of which 8,000 were stocks sold and 7,000 were dhow traffic per Saudi figures.
Method of hold reserve stocks and location not yet agreed but admitted by all that it is physically possible in open-air warehouse at Jidda. Controlled reserves imperative to give confidence and reassurance when famine threatens. I will study problem and report later.
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