GRIM PROSPECT FOR EUROPE

Southland Times, Issue 24356, 10 February 1941, Page 6

GRIM PROSPECT FOR EUROPE

FAMINE AND PESTILENCE CHICAGO, February 7. Mr Herbert Hoover issued a statement saying that the famine and pestilence prevalent in Europe would cause a death list this winter greater than that of the entire World War unless some method of feeding the victim nations could be evolved. Mr Hoover asserted that the greatest sufferers were Finland, Belgium, Norway, Holland and Poland. Concurrently it was announced by Mr Hoover that he had obtained German permission to supervise an inquiry about European food needs, the results of which would be announced at a public meeting in Chicago on February 16. “If there is food shortage in any part of Europe it will be due to German plundering and not to the British blockade,” said Mr Ronald Cross, British Minister of Shipping, when broadcasting to South America. “Britain would increase Germany’s dwindling hope of victory if the powerful blockade weapon were relaxed,” he added. Mr Henry Hays at an interview with Mr Roosevelt urged that food should be sent to Unoccupied France, “before the lack of bread becomes total.” He said the situation would be critical by March 15.