840.50 UNRRA/11–2646: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Key) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:05 p.m.]
4275. Reference mytel 4226, November 15.97 The Prime Minister expressed to me last evening his deep concern about the wheat outlook for Italy. He stated that on the basis of information just received from UNRRA and Italian food experts, the shortage of wheat supplies had become so acute that unless assurances could be received from the US that 240,000 tons of wheat or wheat equivalent would be landed in Italy by January 15 it would be necessary, as an essential precautionary measure, to reduce the bread ration to 200 grams daily within the next few days. He stressed that such a move would, in view of present conditions in Italy, lead to serious political consequences which he was most anxious to avoid if possible.
It was accordingly his intention to approach President De Nicola today and to ask the latter to address a personal message to President Truman calling attention to the present critical food situation and urging the latter to give assurances, if possible, that the required 240,000 tons of wheat would be delivered to Italy before the middle of January.
Repeated Caserta 1100.
- Not printed.↩