862.5018/12–946: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United, States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy)16
431. For Mayer, Baden-Baden. Reur A–4 Nov 2015 and urtel 585 Dec 9. Allocation from US last qr 1946 included nothing for French Zone since considered French able meet emergency needs from French harvest or from wheat and coarse grains shipped to France last half 1946, largely from Argentina.
French Emb presented memo Oct 2817 requesting 150,000 tons wheat for their zone before end year with follow-up memo via Council FonMin Nov 13 urging shipment 100,000 tons. Dept replied Nov 22;15 pointed out large 4th qr allocation of breadgrains for all areas announced Oct 3; mentioned that at that time amount considered maximum possible to be shipped before end year with existing large carryover from 3rd qr; emphasized that maritime and coal strikes were impeding movement; stressed inland transportation as principal limiting factor; referred to ODT estimate that impossible move to port by Dec 31 more than 60% programmed current qr; Dept concluded regretting inability supply French Zone with needed wheat.
Actual screened import requirement for France itself placed at 415,000 tons crop year July 1 46–June 30 47. This figure adopted by IEFC Cereals Committee after thorough study but subject review. Figure already exceeded by shipments to France first half year.
[Page 654]IEFC screened requirements French Zone 405,000 tons crop year. This figure includes reimbursement to US and UK zones. This considered sufficient place French Zone about same basis consumption as those UK and US. US export program Jan includes 25,500 wheat and corn for French Zone. A flour quota for first three mos 1947 of 640,000 cwt has also been set up for French Zone. One-third this or about 13,220 tons wheat equivalent could be considered as an allocation for Jan. Considered France should be able to meet part need Jan–June from other sources, notably Argentina.
Sent Frankfort repeated Berlin and Paris.