BARE SUBSISTENCE

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 278, 23 August 1945, Page 7

BARE SUBSISTENCE

Predicted Effect Of Lend-Lease End

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Received August 22, 8 p.m.) NEW YORK, Aug. 21. High Government officials expressed the view that the cancellation of the lend-lease programme, which it is stated will take place today, virtually means a return to a bare subsistence diet in the coming winter in Britain, France. Belgium and other countries dependent on large shipments of lend-lease food. It is stated that the “pipeline" through which tons of pork and other fats, oil, wheat and cereals moved from Chicago to Europe, has been broken. It would require months to establish complicated substitute machinery for feeding Europe.

Tbe ofiicials added that regardless of what relief the 'rehabilitation agencies can do to feed and clothe the European nations, the cessation of lend-lease means a return to potatoes and Brussels sprouts in Britain for more than a month and far worse conditions on the Continent.

The suddenness with which President Truman acted has led to considerable speculation in some Government quarters that difficulties are deliberately being thrown in the road of the new British Labour Government. Straight lend-lease will lie stopped immediately. Requisitions on which contracts have been placed by the United States will be filled by those countries which have made special agreements for continuing supplies on a credit basis.

Two months will bo granted during which countries may request additional supplies providing they pay for them. American officials said that the termination of lend-lease must be followed by quick moves to make credit available for foreign purchases through the Export and Import Bank to avoid economic disturbances and consequent political unrest in Europe. CLOTHES RATION CUT Announcement In Britain LONDON, August 21. The President of the Board of Trade, Sir Stafford Cripps, announced that the clothing ration for the eight mouths’ period beginning September 1 would be 24 coupons, the equivalent of 36 coupons for a full year, compared with 48 last year. The Minister of Fuel, Mr. Shinwell, does not hold out hope of an immediate dropping of petrol rationing in this country. He said the bulk of the supplies came from the United States under lendlease. mid considerable readjustment would have to.be made in consultation with our American allies.