855.24/6–1945
The Assistant Secretary of State ( Clayton ) to the Counselor of the British Embassy ( Marris )
Dear Mr. Marris: I am very pleased to have the information in your letter of February 1513 on the progress of the supply situation in Belgium.
The American Ambassador has since early December been actively urging the combined military supply authorities in Belgium to carry out the target programs of imports to meet civilian requirements. The Department has similarly emphasized to the armed forces the importance of maintaining the civilian economy in Belgium within the limits of military necessity. I agree with you that the decisions reached by SHAEF including those mentioned in your letter, are timely and necessary, if the country is to avoid acute distress and disorganization. With the military reducing the local requisitioning of perishable foods until the spring crops and with the expected improvement in distribution of imports the situation should improve [Page 91] somewhat. General Erskine’s14 recent broadcast reflects a gradual increase in military civilian imports. Later word from the American Ambassador indicates the February target up to schedule.
I have been much interested in encouraging supplementary imports by the Belgian Government and expect that the first ships from here in such a program may soon be under way. I am sure the British authorities will do everything in their power to facilitate the lifting of those Belgian supplies located in the United Kingdom, the Congo and elsewhere. Shipping is, of course, the principal problem with which the supplying countries have been faced and I have hoped it would be possible to draw upon stockpiles in the United Kingdom to a greater degree in order to provide immediate relief. I am happy to learn that as a result of an urgent recommendation of SCAEF progress in that direction is being made.
Sincerely yours,