840.50 UNRRA/2–446: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
urgent
[Received February 4—10:59 a.m.]
161. British representatives here report that agreement is being negotiated in Washington among UNRRA, British Embassy and Department for transfer of supply responsibility in Austria to UNRRA.
General Clark and I are concerned over lack of definite information as to when and to what extent UNRRA can take over supply responsibility. Also disturbed by reported UNRRA assumption that indigenous production amounts to 1,200 calories per person, whereas our experts estimate maximum of 1,083 calories, assuming full use of indigenous food in Lower Austria. Question is raised whether UNRRA would be able to acquire full use of that food if substantial Soviet occupation force is still present. In this connection, attention is invited to the several messages recently from General Clark to JCS and passed to Department concerning difficulties Soviets and French are having in meeting food commitments.35
General Clark feels that supply responsibility should not be turned over to UNRRA until there is assurance that 1,550 caloric level will be provided in all zones and until UNRRA can handle distribution.
General Clark therefore hopes, as I do, that Department will make no firm commitments without obtaining views here.
- Messages not found in Department files.↩