862.5018/4–347: Telegram
The Acting Political Adivser for Germany (Heath) to the Secretary of State
792. 1. Current unrest in Ruhr politically significant because demonstrations represent first mass protest against food shortages which have in fact existed for many months. The authorized ration has never been met in full in all parts of British Zone and the same is true for some areas in the US Zone. Unless conditions improve it is our opinion that these strikes and demonstrations will tend to become more frequent and will spread to other parts of the British and US Zones. Although present situation appears to have developed as a spontaneous protest against conditions it could be easily exploited by organized groups in order to embarrass German authorities and Military Government as well. Field report from Military sources state Communists very active in Ruhr.
2. Present food shortages in Ruhr cities appear to be mainly due to a breakdown of the German Administrative Organization responsible for the distribution of food. Actual tonnages of imported food supplies received by British since zone merger January first have been at a higher rate than ever before and grain earmarked for Ruhr is estimated at 6,000 tons per week or about 25% above requirements. Confusion between German food officials and those responsible for transport has brought about impossible situation. There are cases reported where entire food trains cannot be accounted for. In some areas food supplies received in excess of approved allocations and in other areas they are short. British blame situation on premature handing over of responsibility to Germans and since March 24 have reestablished direct military supervision and control over movement of imported supplies.
3. Although the emergency in the Ruhr may be relieved temporarily by extraordinary measures to move food supplies to urban centers the prospect is that the overall food situation in both zones will grow worse instead of better between now and the 1947 harvest. There [Page 1145] has been a sharp decline in farm to market deliveries in both zones since the end of January because of weather conditions and transport difficulties. A winter kill of planted grain will require large farm retentions for reseeding. Enforcement difficulties are growing and there is increased black market operations. Although Military authorities do not believe that collection machinery is in danger of immediate breakdown they do point out that collections become more difficult when the official rations are inadequate or not honored. Another complicating factor is the unpopularity of the bizonal livestock reduction program which is so unpopular with farmers that the German authorities have made no serious effort to enforce it.
4. As result of the impending crisis in food supply Military Government in both zones is bringing great pressure on German officials to take steps which will improve collections. Minister Presidents of the various Laender have been told what is required of them and have been asked to state what military assistance they need to carry out their program.
5. Although not minimizing the seriousness of probable short fall in farm collections of about 190,000 tons grain equivalent, food and agriculture officials of the US Zone feel that the largest single factor in the deteriorating food supply is the anticipated short fall in imported bread grains. The present IEFC allocation is 340,000 tons below the figures stated by the bizonal panel in February as the minimum necessary to meet the 1550 calorie ration scale. OMGUS cable for attention Secretary Patterson (CC–8614, March 31, 4747) states that on the basis of imports now in sight German officials say that a cut of 500 calories per day in the bread and cereal ration will be necessary to maintain distribution. Cable further states that in order to hold present ration at 1550 calorie allocations and deliveries for April and early May must be increased by 200,000 tons.
6. In our opinion situation is extremely grave. Even if collections from German farmers were 100% efficient there is not enough food in sight to meet the 1550 ration level between now and June 30. The US and UK Governments either must import enough food to be certain that the ration scales will be met or be prepared to face continued demonstrations and possible disturbances. Also occupying powers must expect considerable inefficiency from the German administration of the food and agriculture programs until it gains experience. The Chairman of the German Executive Committee on Food and Agriculture for the combined zones has asked for greater authority over the respective Laender Administrations. Col. Hester now in [Page 1146] Stuttgart discussing problems with bizonal control group and German authorities. Will report further when we have more information.
Repeated to Moscow; personal for Ambassador Murphy as 235.
- Not printed.↩