862.5018/5–2847

Memorandum by the Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Export Programs ( Stillwell ) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Occupied Areas ( Hilldring )

(1)
We made the request through the Bizonal Supplies Committee51 that the U.K. divert 5 cargoes of wheat or flour at high seas for immediate delivery to Germany.
(2)
I also cabled Douglas on May 2052 requesting that he approach the British Foreign Office with the same proposal. I pointed out in that cable that at least part of the delayed shipments to Germany is directly attributable to British failure to pick up 3 cargoes of grain from the U.S. for delivery to Germany in May. There was also the diversion of one cargo of grain from Germany to Egypt and one from Germany to Rhodesia at the request of the British. In addition, the Bizonal Supplies Committee approved an exchange of wheat destined for Germany for flour from the U.K. In this exchange the Zone lost 6,000 tons, flour equivalent.
(3)
Although everything possible has been done to increase shipping schedules, April shipments from this country were still short of the amount required. As a result, the Zone is now down to 3 and one-half weeks’ supply.
(4)
Since the U.K. is equally responsible for the administration of the two zones she should be willing to assume more direct responsibility in alleviating the crisis.
(5)
In view of the fact that the War Department will guarantee replacement of the 5 cargoes required out of the present June schedule, we are of the firm opinion that the U.K. stocks will not be jeopardized by diversion of the 5 cargoes at this time. If she has any worry concerning keeping her mills in operation then, certainly, she should be willing to divert 5 cargoes of flour.
(6)
The situation in Germany at present is so critical that only diversion of cargoes now at high seas will help to avoid a complete breakdown in the distribution system.
(7)
Although Douglas went to see Roger Makins of the British Foreign Office on May 23 and received a flat refusal on the proposed diversion, I am sending another cable53 to him requesting that he see Lord Pakenham immediately, and Bevin as soon as he returns, to insist that this diversion be made.54
James A. Stillwell
  1. An American-British committee located in Washington.
  2. Telegram 2182, May 20, to London, not printed (862.61311/5–2047).
  3. Telegram 2327, May 29, to London, not printed (862.61311/5–2347).
  4. Ambassador Douglas conferred with Foreign Secretary Bevin on June 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 regarding the diversion of cargoes of grain to Germany. In the course of these conversations, during which Bevin emphasized the serious nature of Britain’s own food shortage, agreement was reached to make the proposed diversions of grain to Germany. Documentation on this subject is included in Department of State file 862.61311.