840.48/3994
King George VI to President Roosevelt 74
My Dear President Roosevelt: In the midst of the preoccupations connected with the progress of the war, I have from time to time turned my mind to the question what is likely to be the condition of affairs in Europe and perhaps elsewhere when the war comes to an end. This is a matter which no doubt is in your mind too.
I think we must take it for granted that, at the moment when hostilities do cease, there will be in many parts of Europe and possibly elsewhere a serious dearth of the necessaries of life.
We cannot assume that, when that time comes, rapid initiative, followed by the requisite activity, will be forthcoming. On the contrary, I think it may be taken for granted that the responsible authorities will be very fully occupied. There is consequently a danger that, unless our preparations are made beforehand, there may be widespread distress and misery. I feel, therefore, that it would be wise to consider now whether some form of international organization should not be set up in the near future so that plans might be ready to be put into operation as soon as the right moment arrived. It seems to me that it is not too early even now to set on foot a preliminary study of potential stocks of the most vital articles of food and clothing, the sources of supply of these articles, and the possibilities of routing them to Europe and distributing them in the various countries which may stand most in need of them.
If you agree with me that a preliminary investigation of this kind would be of considerable value and importance, I should be very glad to have your views as to the best method of bringing it about.
Believe me
Yours very sincerely
- Photostatic copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y.↩