Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: Political and Economic Matters, Volume II

840.50 UNRRA/12–1545: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Officers ⁵⁴

Washington, December 15, 1945.

1. Both Houses of Congress this week voted 550 million dollar balance of first US contribution to UNRRA⁵⁵ which has since been made available to Administration.

2. Enabling legislation for new US contribution of $1,350,000 passed House last week and was reported out favorably and without change by Senate Foreign Relations Committee December 13. Senate acceptance is anticipated before Christmas recess next week.

3. Senate passed, on December 14, deficiency bill including 750 million dollar appropriation for UNRRA against second contribution when enabling legislation becomes law. No difficulty in House approval of this appropriation foreseen, and final action anticipated before recess.

4. In accordance with above, Department expects by end of next week that new US contribution will have been finally authorized and that 750 million dollars of it will be available to UNRRA for immediate purchases. This sum, with 550 million dollars already appropriated in December, will cover all necessary UNRRA procurement in US through middle of March, prior to which time it is hoped balance of second contribution will have been appropriated. Congressional hearings and debates indicate full support and increasing interest in UNRRA programs and objectives.

Acheson

54. Sent to London, Paris, Rome, Athens, Warsaw, Belgrade, Moscow, Chungking, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Habana, Ottawa, Vienna, Canberra, New Delhi, Pretoria, and Cairo.
55. Approved December 14, 1945; 59 Stat. 609.