§ 97. Mr. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to bring to an end the thefts of U.N.R.R.A. supplies in China; and, since U.N.R.R.A. is 72 per cent. U.S. and 25 per cent. British finance, if he will consider recommending the same be charged to the Anglo-American Relief Organisation.
Mr. McNeilNo specific cases of thefts of U.N.R.R.A. supplies in China have been brought to my notice. I am, however, informed that U.N.R.R.A. have recently suspended shipments to China— other than those of food and certain other essential commodities—on the ground that congestion in Chinese ports has led to pilfering and to the deterioration of relief supplies, and, I understand that this matter is being urgently investigated by the Administration.
With regard to the second part of the Question. I am not clear to what Anglo-American Relief Organisation the hon. Member is referring. I understand, however, that his figures regarding the United Kingdom and United States contributions to U.N.R.R.A. are not entirely accurate. I should not be prepared to recommend that any losses which U.N.R.R.A. may have incurred through theft should be charged to other organisations; and it would, of course, not be possible to alter 263W the existing financial arrangements of U.N.R.R.A. except by international agreement