5

WORLD FOOD SITUATION Deliberations of the Conference were to some extent overshadowed by the forecasted position with regard to supplies of food during the forthcoming winter, particularly in Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle and Far East. The fact that countries in Europe which have been occupied or devastated during the war and have not been able to recuperate their food production, combined with drought conditions prevailing over practically the whole of Europe, creates a situation which must be viewed with alarm so far as prospects of the forthcoming winter are concerned. Similarly, in undeveloped countries climatic conditions have been worse and have materially affected the outlook for food-supplies. These facts led the Conference to the decision that everything possible must be done to ensure maximum collection and conservation of all types of foodstuffs, and, in particular, that breadgrains and milk products should not be fed to live-stock. The Conference reiterated the recommendations made by the International Wheat Conference which met in Paris in July last. INTERNATIONAL ALLOCATIONS The Conference was unanimously of opinion that international allocation of commodities in short supply must continue to operate whilst shortages persisted. It was agreed that the newly formed Council of FAO must exercise greater control in this respect than has been the case in the past, and agreed that the functions of IEFC be absorbed by FAO at an early date with a continuance of Commodity Committees functioning under the direct supervision of FAO. FERTILIZERS AND FARM MACHINERY An analysis of the position in Europe and in undeveloped countries shows that shortage of fertilizers, particularly of a nitrogenous nature, is seriously retarding recovery and development. Similarly, the inability to procure adequate farm machinery and spare parts for existing machinery is tending to require more, rather than less, labour in the production field. The Conference directed the Council to investigate the practicability of developing the production of fertilizers, and of some form of direction of machinery and spare parts, particularly to the devastated countries of Europe. REPORT OF PREPARATORY COMMISSION ON WORLD FOOD PROPOSALS The Conference devoted a good deal of time to the report of the Preparatory Commission on World Food Proposals and generally endorsed the conclusions and recommendations reached by the Commission. These proposals deal with food and agriculture production