§ 40. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he received from the American Secretary of State to his recent appeal for foodstuffs to ease the shortage in the British zone of Germany.
Mr. McNeilContrary to my hon. Friend's understanding, my right hon. Friend's recent message to the United States Secretary of State was not so much an appeal for help for the British zone as a suggestion that, in view of deterioration in the German food situation, the United States and United Kingdom Governments should consider together what steps they could take to expedite the imports of foodstuffs into the Combined Zone. In reply, Mr. Marshall assured my right hon. Friend that the United States Government shared his concern at the position and that steps were being taken to move supplies as rapidly as possible to the Bizonal Area. He also suggested certain directions in which this country could assist.
118WDuring the last few weeks the United States authorities have found it possible to ship substantially greater quantities than were originally estimated by the United States/United Kingdom Commanders in Germany. I am glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the generous way in which the United States Government are helping the population of the Combined Zone. His Majesty's Government are also doing their utmost to help and our two Governments are in the closest touch in the matter.