550.AD1/1024
The British Embassy to the Department of State 47
Statement in the House of Commons of July 6th by the Secretary of State48 in regard to the Food Conference and the Interim Commission
On June 23rd I undertook to make a statement on the results of the Food Conference recently held at Hot Springs. His Majesty’s [Page 847] Government have now had an opportunity to consider the work which the Conference achieved and I should like to congratulate the United States Government which convened the Conference on the successful outcome of this first experiment in comprehensive international discussion of postwar matters. His Majesty’s Government have been greatly impressed by the fact that in the midst of a war representatives of more than forty likeminded nations could meet together and achieve general agreement on so many fundamental principles. His Majesty’s Government recognize that the resolutions were drawn up in the light of the widely differing physical, political and economic conditions of the various countries represented and that that application will depend on these differences. For their part His Majesty’s Government have no hesitation in accepting the resolutions and the obligation to give effect to them in so far as they apply to conditions in the United Kingdom. They will also gladly cooperate with other governments in seeking ways to give effect to those resolutions which call for concerted action. They will commend the resolutions to the governments of His Majesty’s Colonies, dependencies and overseas territories. The main object of the Conference was to insure as far as possible freedom from want of food. The House will have noticed that the third resolution recommends that governments should immediately begin the task of increasing food resources and improving the diets of their peoples in accordance with the principles and objectives outlined in the findings of the Conference. His Majesty’s Government intend despite the inevitable difficulties which the war entails, to press on with this aim. At the same time it is clear that freedom from want of food depends largely on matters outside the scope of purely agricultural or nutritional policy. This was fully recognised by the Conference which took account of the broad questions of international security and economic expansion which are the necessary background of sustained progress towards freedom from want and a higher standard of living.
Resolution II provides for the establishment of an interim Commission to carry on the work of the Conference and to prepare a plan for a permanent organization in the field of food and agriculture. His Majesty’s Government intend to participate fully in the work of this Commission and are arranging to appoint a representative. They note with satisfaction that one of the tasks of this Commission will be to draw up a formal declaration or agreement for the consideration of the governments. In this instrument the governments would recognise their obligation towards their respective peoples and to one another to collaborate in raising levels of nutrition and standards of living for their peoples and to report to one another on progress made.
[Page 848]Finally there is the question of production which bears closely on the relief of peoples living in the countries now occupied by the enemy. The Conference was not concerned with the organisation of relief supplies but the House will note that due attention was paid to the necessity of increasing supplies of basic foodstuffs in the period when territories liberated from the enemy will be in need of help from outside. His Majesty’s Government are much impressed by the urgency and importance of this problem and are determined to do all they can for their part to give effect to the resolutions of the Conference on this subject. They earnestly hope that other Governments will do likewise.