840.24/1–2345: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Belgium (Sawyer)3
38. Ambassador Winant4 has advised us that he has received impression in discussions with representatives of the Allies that they consider Richard Law came to Washington as their advocate to obtain adequate consideration for them in the allocation of supplies and shipping with the inference that the US Government was reluctant [Page 1062] to give due recognition to the problem. It would be most unfortunate if the Allies were to take this view of the recent shipping conversations in Washington and you should take steps to counteract such an impression if it exists. It should be pointed out that this government has for some time been fully aware of the importance of the shipment of essential civilian imports for the liberated countries not only for relief but also to permit a revival of industrial and agricultural activity which will contribute to the production in those countries of essential civilian and war needs. It can be stated that a survey of the world shipping situation has been made by the US and UK Governments and that throughout these discussions the needs of the liberated countries have been most sympathetically considered by this government along with the other urgent war needs. The import programs of the liberated governments have been endorsed for planning purposes and the agencies of this government will do everything possible to facilitate procurement of such supplies as we may be asked to furnish.