The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1948. THE KEY TO EUROPEAN RECOVERY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14571, 15 January 1948, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1948. THE KEY TO EUROPEAN RECOVERY

Since food, according to Mr Clinton Anderson, is the key to the recovery of Europe, it is comforting to know that America has been able to grow enough wheat to feed the hungry millions of that distressed continent. Mr Anderson should know what he is talking about since,: as United States Secretary of Agriculture since 1945, he has carried the chief responsibility for planning increased gram production on an unprecedented scale. How successful his planning has been is proved by his ability to announce that America will be able to supply the wheat exports required under the European Recovery programme. While some of the millions provided in Mr Truman's'sensational budget can be made available just as soon as the legislature sees fit to approve it, the people of Europe will not grow fat on dollars. Unless the promised wheat has already been accumulated from the two post-war crops, it cannot be supplied until the 1948 crop reaches maturity in the ear, is harvested and can be shipped across the Atlantic. All this cannot take place for at least another five or six months.

Meanwhile supplies from the 1947 crop of Australian wheat, the harvesting of which should be now completed, are on their way to the other side of the world. Most of this grain will be destined for British breakfast tables and will not be of much assistance to needy Europe. There will be a long break in the present year's supply until grain from countries in the northern hemisphere becomes available. June will see harvesting in full swing in the southern states of America, July similar operations in the central states, and August the full tide of grain flowing from the northern states and from Canada.

The same months will see Europe's harvest beeing gathered in, but apart from what little the war-devastated countries, shorn of manpower and farm equipment, are able to produce for themselves, the bulk of this crop will be grown in and consumed by Russia and the countries under her domination.

Mr Anderson has told Western Europe that America can supply its needs, but he did not say when. A further statement that there are supplies available sufficient to bridge the next six months would be reassuring. Full stomachs will bring renewed physical and mental vigour to the workers of Europe. American wheat should bring contentment to these men and their families as well, increase the output of factories and mines, and so contribute in no small measure to continued peace.