Paris Peace Conf. 103.97/46c: Telegram
The Food Administrator ( Hoover ) to the Ambassador in Italy ( Page )
10. Please communicate following urgent telegram from me to Signor Crespi, Italian Food Minister:
“I understand from London that the Italian representatives have withdrawn their order for Pork Products for the month of January. You will understand that these products are accumulated under the direction of the Food Administration, in preparation for shipment, to comply with indicated programs. Furthermore, I have made recommendations to the American Treasury to cover the finance of 20,000 tons of these products for shipment during the month of January. It is utterly impossible for us to withdraw such shipments without total demoralization of American industry and the repudiation of undertakings put forward on behalf of Allied Governments. This being the middle of the Pork producing season our warehouses are fully stocked and we cannot hold for provision later on after the completion of January shipments. If the Italian Government do not wish any pork products after this order and will inform me now, I [Page 689] will make the necessary provision for disposing of them elsewhere. I trust that you will see the fairness of this position and instruct your representatives in London to reestablish the order of 20,000 tons for January shipment, and advise me accordingly, and I should also like to have some indication as to your future dispositions in this matter. The English and French Representatives have been instructed by their Governments to execute the wheat contract between the Wheat Executive and the Grain Corporation, which has now been under debate for over 2 months, for the firm purchase of 100,000,000 bushels, on which advances have already been made by American Government and your representative is awaiting your instructions. The American Treasury is demanding from me a definite conclusion in the matter and they are asking me to reply as to what this situation really is. All these arrangements have been entered into with a view of securing the Italian food supply and providing the necessary finance therefor, and it would seem to me desirable that these matters should be settled up in such a manner as to maintain the continuity of food supply and finance.”