Meat. Essential that we know what United Kingdom Government have
in mind. Gordon as representative [U.K.] Ministry of Shipping has
instructions regarding quantities and the Meat Board meets
tomorrow to consider position. It is quite clear that proposed
United Kingdom action is not due to shipping shortage. We must ask
therefore that they define their attitude clearly.

We are pressed on all sides to increase production of foodstuffs
for United Kingdom. We are still without any indication at all of
United Kingdom policy or desires as to increased food supplies but
we must soon publish a full statement for general information and
to protect ourselves against charges of indifference.

You can imagine the effect of announcement that meat supplies are
to be restricted by United Kingdom Government while wool and wheat
are carried from Australia in refrigerated space, and increased
neutral tonnage is being secured by United Kingdom Government.

Very anxious to receive some advice from you tomorrow if possible
as we wish avoid Meat Board discussing what they consider to be
United Kingdom restriction their supplies with consequent danger
leakage to press.