Paris Peace Conf. 860c.5018/1
The Food Administrator ( Hoover ) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Lansing: It is of the utmost importance that we should have some reliable information as to the food situation in Poland. The British have already sent a mission, and it seems to me vitally necessary that we should also dispatch some capable men for this purpose.
As diplomatic relations have been broken off between Poland and Germany, it seems impossible of access in that direction, the only possible manner of reaching Poland being by motor car from the Italian front, via Buda-Pesth, thus avoiding entrance into German territory.
I am anxious to send three or perhaps four men, being Dr. Kellogg for nutritional purposes, he being already well acquainted with Poland since the war, some Transport Army Officer who could study transportation conditions, and possibly one other American, together with an interpreter, for which latter purpose it would be useful to use Count Horodyski.
In order to accomplish this mission, I must have the delegation of two American motor cars, with drivers, from our American establishment in Italy, and the assistance of the American military establishment there.
Before undertaking anything on this line, however, I need your approval and authorisation to the various authorities to facilitate the movement of the Mission, and your request to the Commander-in-Chief that he should make the necessary dispositions in the matter.
[Page 678]I would be glad to know your impressions in the matter, and if you approve of it, if you could take the steps above mentioned.
Faithfully yours,