840.6362/4–846: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 8—8:01 p.m.]
970. For Willard Thorp. Your 843, April 5.69a I discussed this subject matter with General Clay. Both of us are disturbed over the [Page 771] notion that you may not fully understand the allocation system now in effect. The Quadripartite Coal Committee sitting in Berlin makes these allocations. The American member, for example, has expressed no dissatisfaction with the share of coal from the British zone allocated to the US zone. We are struck with your statement that “food rations of mine workers in Germany should and can be restored to pre-March 1 levels without significant drain on German food supply.” As you know, it is not just a question of food for the man who wields a pick in a mine but a far greater complex of workers (together with their families) in actual mining and in associated industries and transport.
We do not agree with the statement that the food rations of all the workers necessary to produce and transport coal constitute an insignificant drain on German food supply. It should also be mentioned that the British zone, in addition to coal, is supplying steel and products essential to the US zone. Their production requires coal and also constitutes a drain on the food supply.
May I suggest that it would be, from our point of view, exceedingly helpful if OMGUS could have an opportunity to examine the proposals for division of German coal which you indicate will shortly be presented to the British and French.
I have suggested to Clay my opinion that in this matter you are actuated by a desire to support his position in the quadripartite allocation arrangement.
- Same as telegram 3007, supra.↩