DRAFT TELEGRAM TO LORD LOTHIAN, WASHINGTON .

It is clear that the movement in favour of sending food ships to Europe is gaining strength in America. Whilst the humanitarians and the agricultural interests concerned are unlikely to be much influenced by any arguments we advance we feel that the public at large should be educated to understand why Great Britain cannot favour the prospect.

The line we propose to take is:-

1. The German wireless states that there is a sufficiency of food for all in Europe.

2. If there Is a shortage, it will only be because the Germans are recklessly plundering occupied territory.

3. The Germans will see to it that the inhabitants of occupied territory are not driven to revolt by real starvation; but they will of course be kept short and excess foodstuffs will be removed to Germany to feed the German military machine.

4. There is no reason to suppose that food imported through the generosity of America will increase the amount available for the population in occupied territory. It will only directly or indirectly swell German food reserves.

5. The accumulation of reserves is essential to Germany for the prosecution of her plans to achieve world domination. Germany wishes to build up reserves as soon as possible since she cannot afford to wait until Russia and the U.S. have developed their strength.

6. Great Britain is engaged in a life and death struggle. If she loses she will fall under Nazi domination which will then threaten the rest of the world. She cannot therefore be expected to acquiesce in action which will have the effect of increasing the power of Germany, At the best every food ship from America will prolong the war and so increase the sufferings of the people in occupied territory and in this country.

Before taking any action to obtain publicity for above arguments we should be glad of your views, both as to the substance and as to the manner in which our propaganda should be put across.