FOOD SUPPLIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 March 1941, Page 4

FOOD SUPPLIES

REPORTED CONCESSION TO FRANCE BLOCKADE TO BE EASED ON CONDITIONS. NO ENEMY REQUISITIONING OF CARGOES. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, March 15. The “Sunday Times” understands that the British Government, after consultations with the United States, has decided not to oppose food ships being sent to unoccupied France and North Africa, provided: First, that all food sent is consumed by the French population. Secondly, that distribution is supervised by the American Red Cross, which is also entitled to watch goods traffic from unoccupied to occupied France. Thirdly, that Italians and Germans no longer requisition cargoes arriving in unoccupied France from the. French colonial empire. Fourth, that Vichy undertakes an immediate halt to German infiltration in North Africa. The quantity of food allowed to enter unoccupied France under this plan would be determined as in the case of Spain and Portugal in relation to normal food importing requirements of unoccupied France, after taking into account local food production and also population. Indirectly this system will benefit Germany, because occupied France, which is the granary of unoccupied France, would no longer be asked to supply Vichy’s needs. The most important condition is that no more Germans will be allowed to enter North Africa to plan U-boat and air bases from which to attack our shipping. A Washington message states that Lord Halifax conferred with Mr. Cordell Hull. 3 lt is believed that they discussed general matters, also the question of sending food to unoccupied France. Later the French Ambassador, M. Henry Haye, conferred with Mr. Hull, after which he said he was hopeful that some agreement could be reached permitting food to go to France under control of American agents.