WESTERN GERMANS RECEIVE BEST RATIONS OF FOOD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22707, 4 August 1948, Page 7

WESTERN GERMANS RECEIVE BEST RATIONS OF FOOD

LONDON, Aug. 2.

Forty million Germans in the combined British and American zones of Germany are getting the highest food rations since the occupation began as the result of improved crops, currency reform and aid from the European recovery programme, says the American Military Government’s fortnightly review of occupation affairs, quoted by the Associated Press Berlin correspondent.

The improved food situation is responsible for raising Ruhr coal production to a post-war record in July and Bizonia’s industrial, production to the post-war high level ‘ established in April.

The food issue to the normal Bizonia consumer in July rose to 1990 calories a day, which is the highest basic ration yet attained. Mr. Raymond Jones. American military Government food chief, said today that the July ration was probably the best the Germans had received since 1944. The Bizonia ration was 40 to 50 per cent hieher than the Russians gave ibe 17,000,000 Germans in the Russian zone.

The American Military Government repbrt said that after the currency reform of June 20 labour efficiency improved and absenteeism declined because the greater availablity of consumer goods gave a greater work incentive.