MONTGOMERY IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24814, 2 March 1946, Page 7

MONTGOMERY IN LONDON

TALKS WITH ATTLEE EXPECTED

ATTEMPT TO STAVE OFF FAMINE

u LONDON, February 28. Field-Marshal Lord Montgomery arrived in London to-day from Germany. He will see Mr Attlee this evening in an eleventh-hour attempt to stave off famme m British?occupied Germany, states the political correspondent of the “Evening News.” Field-Marshal Montgomery is expected to urge that drastic ration cuts in Germany will almost inevitably lead to serious food riots and unrest. The correspondent adds: “Jt is quite certain that no further ration cuts will be imposed on the British public to save the German people. The remedy, it is officially pointed out, lies outside Britain’s power.” The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr John Hynd) denied that Field-Marshal Montgomery flew to England especially to demand more food for the Germans or that he was to see Mr Attlee. Mr Hynd, who is directly responsible for British ad? ministration in Germany and Austria, said: “We did. not ask Rim to come, but quite obviously, he had to come here or we had to go to Germany. We were in touch with him from day to day on the subject.” Certain decisions would be taken at his conference with Field-Marshal Montgomery this evening concerning the internal situation in Germany, but there was no question of diverting British food to Germany. If any food was sent, it would be surplus stocks, such as odd quantities of potatoes “of not over-high quality,” if available, Mr Hynd said. Whatever decisions were taken, they would have to be drastic. He reiterated that the liber? ated countries and India must have priorities for what food was available. Agency correspondents say an appointment has been made for Field? Marshal Montgomery to meet Mr Attlee informally at No. 10 Downing Street next week. There was no basis for the suggestion that the meeting was exclusively connected with oer? many’s food plight, but it was practically certain that the subject would be discussed.