740.00119 Control (Germany)/6–2648: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
1487. For Saltzman and Hickerson. General Clay in cooperation with General Le May, Commanding General USAFE, gave orders this morning for the organization of air lifts between the Western Zones and Berlin on the basis of an estimated daily supply of 225 tons. 70 planes are immediately available which will make an estimated 100 trips daily. There is under consideration the question of adding an additional 30 planes which if brought into the service would enable the shipment eventually of up to 500 tons daily. For the supply of the UK and US forces only 50 tons daily are necessary. The balance [Page 919] will be devoted to the needs of the German population and Military Government is establishing a priority list of commodities. As a comparative figure, the daily food supply required for the population of the three western sectors of Berlin is 2,000 tons. General Clay also issued orders placing all US personnel on an austerity basis today with regard to supplies of food and the use of electric power, etc.