860C.48/12–3044: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

11563. For Department, FEA and Camp. British with concurrence of EWD have approved shipment to Poland of commodities mentioned in final paragraph of Bern’s 8193 to Department89 (2434 to London).

Foreign Office telegram requested information as to quantity of supplies for which transportation to Poland could be arranged; quantity for distribution of which IRC would assume responsibility; quantity available in Switzerland for which no compensating imports would be required; and costs. Telegram stated that authorities in London recognized difficulty in obtaining data requested and that immediate relief for Poland was being recommended in spite of absence of precise information adding, however, that any details that could be forwarded would be extremely helpful.

In this connection, MEW has advised Embassy that general question of trans-blockade relief will be raised again with War Cabinet.

Winant
  1. Not printed.