840.6362/11–2946: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
London, November 29,
1946.
9834. This is Salco 374 from MEA. Reference Lasco 240.1 ECO has requested MEA transmit following appeal which Department may make public if it deems appropriate:
- 1.
- “ECO draws urgent attention of appropriate US authorities to the grave coal situation facing Europe at the beginning of winter.
- 2.
- The elements of that situation are: (a) programmed tonnage of US coal represents 60% of the total import availabilities to ECO countries; (b) October and November loadings ex USA fell short of programme by approximately 50%; (c) apart from stoppage of US shipments availabilities ex Germany for December and subsequent months reduced by recent decisions of control authorities whilst transport and other difficulties hamper production and exports of Polish coal; (d) even with full expected imports from US and other sources and counting all indigenous production consumption in ECO countries would average less than 50% of requirements; (e) due to previous shortfalls in imports coal stocks are at or below minimum safety point in many countries and some have already had to increase restrictions on coal use, even for most essential purposes.
- 3.
- Immediate situation therefore grave for all European importing countries. Should US stoppage be prolonged situation would become even more critical economically and socially, particularly for countries wholly or mainly dependent on imported supplies.
- 4.
- Fully recognizing past US assistance for European relief, ECO nevertheless appeals US authorities to take all practicable measures for earliest possible general resumption of coal shipments to Europe. Meanwhile should local stocks or the quality position in USA permit shipments to be specially authorized they would prove invaluable for European countries in most urgent need.”
Gallman