840.50 UNRRA/12–345: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Kirk)
2291. Reur 3868 Dec. 3. Governor Lehman has indicated he will finance January shipments to Italy from $550 million remaining balance of original contribution which is expected to be appropriated within next 2 days.
On basis of most recent developments in connection with UNRRA appropriations there is good chance that Congress will act on proposed new one per cent contribution to UNRRA prior to Xmas recess. Every possible means is being used to point out to Congressional leaders [Page 1050] urgency of immediate action. Special legislation for Italian relief could probably not be put through Congress any quicker than the UNRRA bill itself and might in itself delay the UNRRA appropriation and raise questions regarding similar problem affecting other countries whose supply pipelines will run out if UNRRA funds are not appropriated immediately.
Dept is fully aware of serious results which a break in supply pipeline would bring about. Believe AC49 and UNRRA staffs in Rome should make plans on assumption that supplies will be shipped and will be financed by UNRRA. Further information will be sent as soon as developments occur.
- Allied Commission for Italy.↩