Minutes of a meeting of the inter-departmental committee on relief aid for Europe

A discussion was held on the 27th instant in the Department of Finance on the subject of the action that might be taken to provide supplies for distressed areas in Europe.

Present: Messrs. McElligott, Leydon, Walshe, Twomey, Ferguson, Boland, Shanagher and Hogan.

Messrs. Leydon and Walshe referred to the actual and prospective food shortages in Europe and to the danger that, unless this country showed and publicised its readiness to provide assistance, there would be a considerable loss of good will and colour would be given to the propagandist charges levelled against us in sections of the British and American Press that we were concerned only about ourselves and were enjoying higher standards of living than in any other part of Europe.

Mr. McElligott, who said he had not seen evidence of a propaganda campaign on the lines mentioned, enquired whether food-exporting countries might stop supplies to us, as, for instance, Canada diverting our wheat requirements to liberated countries in Europe. Mr. Leydon replied that Mr. Kearney¹ had given explicit assurance that Canadian supplies of wheat would be maintained.

While it was generally agreed that it would be desirable that something should be done to provide assistance for distressed countries, the practical difficulties in the way of doing anything effective were mentioned, e.g., our own shortages, lack of shipping, sales of our surpluses to Britain, and the reception by Britain of any attempt, without their full agreement, to divert surpluses to European countries.

Mr. Twomey pointed out that the only commodity that could be supplied to distressed areas at relatively short notice would be meat, either as tinned meat or as live animals. Supplies of tin would be necessary for the packing, and, of course, shipping facilities. Mr. Boland stated that the Dutch Government had indicated their readiness to make such facilities available but that so far nothing concrete had emerged. It was generally felt that any arrangements for the supply of meat to the Continent, which would involve the rationing of meat for domestic purposes, would present grave administrative problems.

The possibility of securing supplies of butter or sugar for the Continent by a reduction in the domestic ration was discussed, without any conclusion being reached.

It was thought that some supplies of oats, oatmeal or barley might be made available without serious effect on domestic requirements.

As regards clothing, the position in regard to textiles and boots and shoes was described by Mr. Shanagher and it was felt that any margin which existed to enable assistance to be given on these lines would be very slight. An appeal for secondhand clothing to be sent as a gift to distressed areas might produce considerable results if sponsored by the Government.

It was agreed that the question should be explored as to whether the stores of bedding, blankets, etc., accumulated for A.R.P. purposes, as well as any similar stores surplus to Army requirements, should be earmarked for the purpose of relief in Europe.

Mr. Twomey undertook to prepare a statement outlining the position in regard to the possibility of supplying food stuffs to Europe and the various considerations arising for decision if any action were proposed on these lines.

It was agreed that, until all the material facts and considerations had been assembled and considered at a further conference, it would be impolitic to arrange for any public statement in regard to the general question of action by this country towards relieving distress in Europe.