Vatican - Taylor, Myron C., January-April, 1945

PSF Vatican: Myron C. Taylor Man. - Apr. 1945 Inp file myron Tayler folder 4-44 filenprential DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON January 1, 1945 DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble DateFEB 22 1972 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Letter from Myron Taylor Concerning Food Situation in Italy Thank you for letting me see Mr. Taylor's letter of November 11, 1944 and attached plan for improving the Italian food situation. These are being returned for your files in accordance with your memorandum of December 7. The application of Mr. Taylor's recommendations depends upon a solution of the critical shipping and internal transportation problem. As to crop pooling, his plan is also based on the assumption of rigorous harvest control machinery which so far has not materialized. I feel that Mr. Taylor's plan is sound and that you might wish to give it considera- Enclosure: tion when Letter together the from with present Mr. its Taylor obstacles enclosure. EDath are removed. AMERICAN RELIEF FOR ITALY. INC. OFFICE OF FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE 2, Via Boncompagni Rome, November 11, 1944. Dear Mr. President: Enclosed herewith, for your information, is n prepared statement presenting a point of view in respect to the con- trol of essential food products 88 8. basis for future action in order to assure maximum production and equality of distri- bution in Italy. This paper results from the contact with the relief problem and its relation to the existing policy of control of free movement between the verious communes and the Provinces within the released portion of the country. 30 many complaints about the existing situation came to ne and so annoyed me by their apparent unfairness that during the past several months and from time to time, I discussed the matter with Colonel Poletti and others. These discussions led to the development of the point of view-described in the attached paper which you may find of interest. Sincerely yours, Myron C. Taylor The President White House Washington, D. C. November 9, 1944 Memorandum presented by H. E. Myron C. Taylor, of a suggested plan to relieve the difficulties of the food situation in Italy. It would appear desiderable that the system of compulsory food pools should be confined only to wheat (and not to other cereals) and to olive oil. All other products should be granted immediate free trade--special protection being reserved solely for livestock resources. Suitable provisions should be adopted to ensure to each person everywhere the following daily rations: bread grammes 300 pasta (macaroni) 70 olive oil 10 sugar 15 The absolute availability everywhere of such quantities should be the essential basis for the civilian food supply, which ought to be made possible through every means, including, if necessary, the imports into Italy and the transportation and the distribution by means which are otherwise reserved by the armies, namely railways and trucks. All other products should be left to private enterprise of production, transportation and sale. The outcome of this would certainly have the effect of imposing ceiling prices through free trade and competition. No restrictions should be imposed on the transfer of these goods from province to province, nor should their entry into large cities or general public markets be restricted, regardless of the origin of the goods or the means of transportation. with regard -2- With regard to the control of these compulsory food pools, which would be limited to wheat and olive oil, careful considera- should be given to the following special project conceived by an expert: All farm owners should be obliged to contribute to the wheat pools a given quantity per hectare of their property (1 hectare = 10,000 square meters, or 2.471 acres), it being under- stood that the only exception would apply to the impervious zones of the mountains. The amount to be contributed by hectare would vary according to the output of any particular zone and, there- fore, it would not need to be uniform. Failure to contribute to these compulsory wheat pools should involve financial penalties or taxes on an increasing scale and even the confiscation of the land. At the same time, farm owners might be allowed to retain their wheat supplies and to deal therein on a free basis with the understanding that each farmer, in case he does not wish to produce the required quantity of wheat, might purchase it and contribute it in his name to the general pool--even though it is obtained from other farmers. The price of wheat available in this pool might be fixed at a special level or reduced through adequate contributions in such a manner as to include eventually any fiscal obligation attached to the estate, thereby simplifying the complex system of taxation. The country would thus be able to rely upon a fixed availa- bility of wheat and would have at its disposal the necessary quantities to tide over the total requirements, even through imports from abroad. The flexibility which such a system would ensure would give the best impulse tc other agricultural activities whose output could thereby reach a level which would be in line with its cost. With regard to the olive oil pools, the production of the product could be easily controlled throu h a ri (orous supervision NM - 3 - of each esteblishment where olive oil is produced, and the provisions which are now in force for food pools could be left as they are now. Taylor folder 4-45 DEPARTMENT INCOMING DIVISION OF OF COMMUNICATIONS STATE TELEGRAM AND RECORDS JRB-1768 Vatican City This telegram must be closely paraphrased be- Dated January 11, 1945 fore being communicated to anyone. ( Rec'd 2:20 p.m. Secretary of State, Washington. 10, January 11, 2 p.m. FOR PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY. At an audience with His Holiness the Pope on Tuesday before presenting a group of four American generals and 8 other army officers I reviewed the pr (*) ness discussing at some length possible postwar position of several European countries notably France, Germany and Italy at the end of hostilities. It is obvious that very serious economic, political and social difficulties will arise end prevail for a long period. Much concern is evidenced in all quar- ters CS to extent to which America will give finan- cirl support in a continuing wey to reconstruction and reestablishment of the means of communication and the basic industrial economy of all the nations of Europe. It seems to be quite generally conceded that the most likely source of support would need be America. In view of this general impression it might be well to consider the wisdom as a general policy DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 FEB 22 1972 By J. Schauble Date -2- #10, January 11, 2 p.m., from Vatican City. policy of refraining from pledges beyond our capa- city to perform, else in the long run an anti- American reaction might develop. On the other hand any definite pronouncement that America was not in- terested in respects indicated would have & very unwholesome effect upon the public and maintenance of order. America continues to be hope of world in eyes of the masses. Much interest being shown in appointment of an Italian Ambassador to Washington. I offer no comment upon proposal now being made through appropriate channels. The generals introduced were as follows: Major General Curry, Major General Wood, Major General Frank and Brigndier General Miller, all of whom as in the case of the officers accompanying them, were greatly impressed with audience and with Pope Himself. T/YLOR (#) Apparent omission. MRM File Thyron Taylor folder 4-45 THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE Rome, Italy, January 11, 1945. Dear Mr. President: You may be interested in reading the first summary report of the actual distribution of merican Relief for Italy contributions which I am enclosing herewith. We are disturbed by the apparent delay in the next shipment which may create an interruption in the work in the field which would be unfortunate, but which we hope will be expedited so that this condition will not in fact occur. sincerely yours, Myron C. Taylor Enclosure: Report. The President The White House, Washington. Full Translation REPORT ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE E.N.D.S.I. in the first MONTH OT ITS ACTIVITY (December 1944) The arrival of the two ships "R.T.HILL " and "WEBB MILLER" marked the beginning of the activity of the E.N.D.S.I. WAREHOUSE OF THE E.N.D.S.I. NAPLES. His Eminence Cardinal Ascalesi, Archbishop of Naples, placed six warehouses at the disposal of the E.N.D.S.I. to receive the clothing coming from the United States of America for the people in the distressed areas of Italy. Four of these warehouses are actually being used and have been registered with the Allied Port Authorities under the following numbers: 1. Storehouse in the Archbishop's Palace No. 1951 2. " " " Girolamini Church " 1952 3. " " " S.Severo Church " 1953 4. " " " S.Maria in Cosmedin Church" 1954 The other two store-houses held in reserve are: 5. Storehouse in the Annunziata Church 6. " " " S.Maria Maggiore Church. ROME The State Railways has allowed the E.N.D.S.I. to have the use of five warehouses at the goods railway station "Scalo S. Lorenzo" store-houses 11 - - 12 - 13 - 24 - 25. LANCIANO A part of the tobacco factory has been taken over for the E.N.D.S.I. warehouse on the Adriatic coast. ARRIVAL AND UNLOADING OF THE SHIPS Five ships arrived from America and were unloaded during the month of December. Declared Cargo S/S/ R.T.HILL at Naples Bales 12,102 Cases -- S/S WEBB MILLER #: " 8,262 5,433 S/S ARMSTRONG 11 " 7,858 577 S/S SAMUEL ADAMS at Leghorn 3,797 -- S/S JAMES HOBEN " " 8,824 114 Total Bales 40,843 Cases 6,124 At the present moment a sixth ship the S/S Peregrin White is unloading at Naples. The transporting of the goods from the docks to the warehouses was carried out with the collaboration of the Allied Authorities: from Naples dock to Naples store-houses by truck; from Leghorn dock to Rome store-houses by train. A difference has been noted between the declared cargo and - 2 - the quantity of merchandise received: Bales Missing Cases Missing S/S R.T. HILL 19937 427 5137 296 S/S WEBB MILLER S/S ARMSTRONG 7781 77 569 8 S/S SAMUEL ADAMS 12215 408 100 14 S/S JAMES HOBEN TOTAL 39931 912 5806 318 The amount missing constitutes 2,30% of the bales and 5,40% of the cases: that is, 2,70% of a total of 45,790 cases and bales. The goods have been distributed as follows in the store-houses Bales Cases Store-house Naples 1951 -- 5373 = " 1952 13458 306 = " 1953 10884 27 " " 1954 3376 -- 11 Rome S.Lorenzo 12213 100 Total 39931 5806 All steps were taken to avoid losses at the docks at Naples and Leghorn. It would seem however that part of the cargo did not arrive at all. DISTRIBUTION It was decided to make the first distribution of clothing in the six Provinces which were most ruined by the war, and which were for long the actual theatre of war; namely the Provinces of Frosinone, Littoria, Campobasso, L'Aquila, Chieti, Pescara. List were received from all the Communes of these Provinces of the people in direct need of clothing. Using these lists the following totals were reached in the various provinces. PROVINCES MEN WOMEN BOYS GIRLS CHILDREN TOTAL Pescara inha.211,561 12435 12435 8290 8290 4145 45,595 Chieti inha.374,727 31952 31952 21302 21302 10776 117,284 L'Aquila inha.365,716 9315 9385 5974 5974 2982 33,630 Campobasso inha.399,095 13591 14951 6024 5659 6177 46,402 Littoria inha.227,218 34035 37729 17411 18126 7938 115.239 Frosinone inha.845,607 26702 26702 13351 13351 53404 133,510 Total Inhit2423,924 128030 13 3154 72352 72662 85422 491,660 - 3 - The first step in the distribution of the clothing was the transportation of the bales and cases, sorted out in the store-houses and destinated for the various provinces, to the provincial warehouse, from which the distribution to the communes would be rapidly carried out. of the 12,606 bales and 368 cases to be carried to these centers 7,448 bales and 186 cases have already arrived at their destination, 723 bales and 92 cases were distributed to the children at Christmas, and 4,678 bales and 120 cases are to be delivered within the next week or two. The goods are accompanied during the journeys by members of the E.N.D.S.I. staff and by a picked body of Italian Carabi- nieri. The Allied Authorities have collaborated splendidly in transporting the goods to the provincial warehouses. Up to the present the following goods have been sent to the devastated areas: Bales Cases Store-house at Lanciano 1,702 50 = " at Chieti 2,012 31 " " at Pescara 1,395 52 " " at Sulmona 594 17 " " at Campobasso 325 -- " " at Venafro 382 12 " 11 at Isernia 970 24 " " at Carsoli 68 : Total 7,448 186 Christmas distribution 723 92 Total 8,171 278 On the 31st of December the following goods were still in the warehouses: Bales Cases Warehouse Naples 1951 -- 2,352 " " 1952 8,489 101 " " 1953 8,154 a " " 1954 2,975 -- " S.Lorenzo 11,422 3,503 " Lanciano 720 64 Total 31,760 6,028 The work of distributing the clothing to the communes has already begun. From the warehouse at Lanciano this distribution has already been carried out. In many areas the actual distribution to the people has already begun. At Christmas a special effort was made and clothing was carried from the central warehouse at Rome and distributed to 40,000 children in the destroyed towns in the Provinces of Frosinone, Littoria and Rome. Particularly moving was the distribution in the battle areas round Cassino and round the Anzio and Nettuno beachhead. - 4 - In order to finish off the distribution to the six provinces mentioned above the following goods will still have to be transported: Bales Cases 1. Boiano 180 -- 2. Avezzano 562 20 3. Frosinone 1950 50 4. Littoria 1986 50 Total 4,678 120 Consequently the following goods will still remain in the warehouses for further distribution: Bales 27,082 Cases 5,844 4014 \ myron daylor folder 4-45 him January 13, 1945 Dear Myrons I was glad to receive your letter of December 22, 1944 enclosing a study of the German state given to you by Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria. It is en interesting document 11 and I have turned it over to the Department of State for circulation among the officers dealing with Germen questions. Very sincerely yours, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT The Honorable Myron C. Taylor, Personal Representative of the President at the Vatican, Vatioan City. THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE Rome, December 22, 1944. Dear Mr. President: Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, who has been an acquaintance of ours for many years, has sent me in confidence for delivery to you by a Brother of the Museo Missionario-Etnologico del Laterano the attached document which, after a brief examination, purports to be a survey of the German situation. I have not considered it desirable to have a special examination made of this document here, but prefer that you should see it at first hand. Prince Rupprecht who is now 75 years of age has been very ill in a hospital. For many years he has been a refugee from Germany living in a small villa on the estate of an acquaintance of ours. During the German occupation he was in hiding. He is an interesting, scholarly man and well schooled in European politics. His wife, and son by his first marriage, and members of his family by his second marriage are in the hands of the Germans - whereabouts unknown. With kind regards, believe me Sincerely Myronetenter yours, Myron C. Taylor Enclosure: Document in the German language The President The White House DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 Washington. FEB 22 1972 By J. Schauble Date SECRET DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON December 30, 1944 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Letter to Myron C. Taylor I return herewith the letter of Myron C. Taylor addressed to you on December 22, 1944 which en- closed a document on Germany by Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria. There is also enclosed a draft reply. Enclosures: 1. From Myron C. Taylor, December 22, 1944. 2. Draft reply to Myron C. Taylor. FEB 22 1972 By J. Schauble Date 1 THE o file PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE Terpon Jaylor fucuse 4.45 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE Rome, January 17, 1945. Dear Mr. President: I take pleasure in transmitting herewith copy and translation of a letter dated January 17, 1945 which I have just received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, DeGasperi, which indicates satisfaction with relief activities which we have conducted in the name of American Relief for Italy. Sincerely Myronictor yours, Myron C. Taylor Enclosure: From Foreign Minister DeGasperi, January 17, 1945 The President, The White House, Washington. / #: 5 the TRANSLATION THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Rome, February 17, 1945. your *xcellency: I sincerely thank you for the first report about the distribution of american Relief for Italy which you kindly enclosed with your letter of January 13. I take this occasion to renow my great appreciation for this charitable work that has been so successfully initiated and I beg your Excellency to express our gratitude to those who collaborate with you in this relief distribution. Sincerely yours, (signed) DeGasperi Mr. Myron C. Taylor Personal Representative of the President of the United States to His Holiness the Pope Rome. COPY MINISTRO DEGLI AFFARI ESteRI 1/156 Roma, 11 17 Gennaio 1945. Signor Rappresentante, La ringrazio sentitamente del primo rapporto sulla distribuzione degli aiuti americani all'Italia da Lei gentilmente trasmessomi con lettera in data 13 corrente. Colgo l'occasione per rinnoverLe, Signor Rappre- sentante, gli atti della mia alta considerazione per l'opera cosi magnificamente iniziata, pregandoLa di estendere l'espressione della nostra riconoscenza anche ai suoi collaboratori nella raccolta e nella distribuzione. suo (signed) DeGasperi Signor Myron C. Tayllr Rappresentante Persinale del Presidente degli Stati Uniti d'America presso Sua Santità il Papa m. Taylor forder-45 DEPARTMENT INCOMING DIVISION OF OF CENTRAL SERVICES STATE TELEGRAM TELEGRAPH SECTION NCB-284 Vatican City This telegram must be closely paraphrased be- Dated January 18, 1945. fore being communicated to anyone. I Rec'd 4:30 p.m., Secretary of State, file 19th, confidential Washington. 17, January 18, 6 p.m. VERY 1 FOR PRESIDENT ONLY. Referring to second paragraph my No. 386, November 24, as to who would sign German peace settlement I am offering herewith an analysis that came to me which may prove of interest as follows: "One. According to democratic principles he who is in power governs by the will of the people in the name of the and for the good of the people. Two. In a democratic regime he who governs can resign but he cannot cede his power to others. Three. Not even Parliament or Senate can doem itself authorized to cede all rights and powers to a foreign authority. This would be beyond and contrary to the constitution which in individual states regulates the exercise of powers within the state and does not contemplate the abdication of powers in favor of a foreign authority. Four. According to democratic doctrine, military authorities DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 22 1972 -2-17, January 18, 6 p.m., from Vatican City. authorities do not have the faculty to cede the civil power to a foreign nation, The heads of the army if compelled by military defeat can find themselves obliged by necessity to sign an armistice or to make a peace which may have clauses restricting exercise of civil powers. There remains to the victor always the moral obligation not to exceed the limits of human and civil justice. Five. In conclusion, according to democratic principles, the cession of all rightsand powers to a foreign nation could happen legitimately in only one way: That is when the people themselves either by means of a free referendum or by means of a constituent assembly freely elected would manifest freely and consciously their will to arrive at such a complete cession in favor of a foreign authority. In this hypothesis the people who are the depository of all rights and powers would transfer them knowingly and willingly to others who were to (*) before into that same people. TAYLOR LMS (*) Apparent omission serviced. DEPARTMENT myron Taylor forder 4-45 OF file INCOMING DIVISION OF CENTRAL SERVICES STATE TELEGRAM TELEGRAPH SECTION NCB-1633 Vatican City This telogram must be paraphrased before being Dated January communicated to anyone other than a Government Rec'd 2:44 p.m. Agency. (RESTRICTED) Secretary of State, jakenan 24, 1945. brew care Washington. 23, January 24, 5 p.m. FOR THE PRESIDENT AND THE SECRETARY, BASIL O'CONNOR, JOSEPH DAVIES, JUVENAL MARCHISIO. Referring to last paragraph my No. 5, January 9, we are informed that UNRRA has made certain proposals to the Italian Government which, if effective, will very seriously effect the area of the activities in which American Relief for Italy and the National Committee are now sole source of and distributors of relief. UNRRA's representative here is not a cooperative person and will not confer regarding American Relief for Italy unless Governor Lehman instructs him specifically to do SO, This is a wrong and narrow attitude which is not in the interest of the objective which we all have in mind. I suggest that you take definite action in this matter without delay. TAYLOR JT Myron Jaylor forder 4-45 the & THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE June 26. 1945 Dran Im President ne {melmed impressions may & 2 from use to you in 7am dis cerson mc His in 7am first coming conference met the P.m. N "Guele June - I raments Lope that 90 mis has formable mach - a good trip- and - sure a hurpy autcome - with Kinders required drivery J. the Prindent Importation the white Home. THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE January 22, 1945 MEMORANDUM It may be of interest to you to have a condensed view of the Italian political situation as it now appears to me. Prime "inister Bonomi, Foreign Minister de Gaspari, Under Secretary of Interior Mole, Signor Carandini, Italian Ambassador to London, Duke Gallarati-Scotti, Ambassador to Spain, the Crown Prince Umberto, the Duke d'Aosta, Count Sforza, former Under Foreign Secretary, Marchese Visconti- Venosta, and many others who call upon us at out home or who we meet on various occasions have all talked very fully but confidentially with me from time to time. It would appear that in this moment of great national uncertainty the present day leaders seek some reliable person to confide in. As a result, one might enumerate the principal diffi- culties in the political situation somewhat as follows: I. About one half of Italy geographically is released from the Nazi-Fascists. II. Less than one third of economic Italy has been so released. The greater industrial, agricultural sections lie at and north of the released portion. III. In a corresponding way the greater number of men of action, wealth, and with developed qualities for practical leadership live in the north. These men are not, generally speaking, politicians. IV. The activity of six principal political parties (and many other smaller groups said to be more than twenty) each ambitious to control the administration of government, renders compromise at the present time necessary for no one of the parties is strong enough to dominate as nearly all would combine against such one. Italian compromise means a truce, each party awaiting its opportunity to gather adherents and to improve its position. Reduced to broad terms the issue may ultimately prove to be a Christian Democratic party, a strong Royalist party and a strong Communist party. Ulti- mately in a final test it is likely that the Christian Democrat and the -2- and the Royalist parties will combine egainst the Communist party. Competent observers indicate concern over the growing strength of the latter. It is alleged the latter is directed and financed from Russia, that it secretly receives arms from Russia via Yugoslavia at Bari and elsewhere in Italy. My authority for the latter statement is a very high one. V. In the past the people have been accustomed to the monarchical form of government. They followed blindly the Fascist leadership which had been approved by the King, Fascism promised a better life. There is no doubt that with relatively few exceptions end until the tide of victory began to turn to defeat, the great losses of life, and when res- trictions on living standards began more and more to be felt, the nation as & whole was intrigued with the dream of Empire -- of gain, of better days. At no time did the masses welcome an alliance with or trust the Germans. The prominent members of the Provinces and Communes wore the Fascist uniform. Many local leaders and office holders became Senators or members of committees. All important industrialists and land owners were summoned to Rome at intervels, often weekly. This identified them with the regime. They could not carry on their enterprises without the permission of and through cooperation with the regime. In this way practically all the forceful men except the relatively few who went into hiding or escaped to other countries, became tainted with Fascism. I believe that in an honest test of strength the nation would rally around the House of Savoy as being traditional, definite and more dependable than any vague or untried group or system. Fasciam was en experience not easily forgotten. Its ultimate disaster is felt in many aspects of national life. A strong government is essential. The Communists for the moment say they are not anti-royalist, but wish to liberalize the Government. Many doubt their sincerity. VI. When the northern portion is freed, many men of anti-Fascist convictions are said to be available to assist the government. The partisans are also said to represent an influ- ence to be reckoned with in the political future of the country. Many partisens are said to be anti-royalist and anti-Communist. It is said they plan the formation of a bloo for political action. The partisens comprise, among others, many educated younger men. Their dangerous service to the country would seem to entitle them to a voice in public affeirs. At present while in service and after their service is ended they have no particular Italian status. They serve the Allies in the field. VII. The shocked condition of the people, their lack of initiative, their lack of strong leadership is apparent. Among the politicians generally speaking the struggle for personal power -3- power outweighs constructive action toward rehabilitation of the country. VIII. With such a restricted field from which to select a cabinet the situation has been demonstrated to be difficult. The result has been uncertainty end weakness. Another element breeding weakness is the controls exercised by A.C. and A.F.H.Q. and I assume a certain restraint because of the existence of the Committee of National Liberation, which undertakes to compete with the House of Savoy in vital matters such as choosing a Prime Minister and a cabinet. In the recent diffi- culty the Monarchy retained this prerogative though the Committee insisted these powers had been reserved to it. For any administrative body to function with assurance is of course impossible under these conflicting conditions. IX. Looking to the future one may therefore ask? (a). To what extent in reality can it be expected that new and stronger influences will be available upon the release of northern Italy? (It seems to me careful survey based on past records now available of the men who might add strength to the government should be undertaken.) (b). At the moment of release of northern Italy, will the Allied controls be relaxed? This involves the question to what extent do the Allies intend to assist Italy in reconstruction and rehabilitation. Such assistance involves credit and foreign exchange, giving Italy the means to provide raw and finished material to reconstruct the destroyed utilities and to operate its essential industries. (c). When such controls are relaxed will the issue of Monarchy vs. Communism press for decision? and if so, will it be tried in an election? under whose auspices? and under what conditions? 1. The best authorities I have encountered indicate that: B. Elections should start on the communal level at e reasonably early date but not before a year after the country is freed and the people given an opportunity to become reasonably normal psychologically. b. After communal elections 8. reasonable interval should elapse before elections on a provincial level are held. -4- C. After a further interval elections on a national level should be held. In this way the democratic process will be introduced, a constituent assembly created, a constitution promoted, and the form of government determined. Under what auspices will such elections be held? All the dangers of novelty and inexperience will be met for the first time. How can free choice be achieved in practice? It is urged by all parties that during the period of read justment above described, it will be (a) essential that Allied military forces be maintained in Italy, (b) that the Allies reserve definite and adequate authority to maintain order, (c) that the Italian army remain subject to Allied military authority. This suggestion does not impose the necessity for a large Allied or Italian army. A token force in the six largest centres with a strong central general staff with Italian officer participation would be adequate. In the economic field, at least during the period described, an Allied Advisory Committee, small in number with Italian representation, would be helpful in planning and assisting recovery and reconstruction. The Allied Commission and A.F.H.Q. with their large staffs should be promptly liquidated. Italy would then begin to stand on its own feet. With a prostrate Europe, each state occupied with its own economic and political salvation, Italy would be free to rehabilitate itself - at best a long and painful course - otherwise, what lies ahead for one of the oldest Mediterranean powers -- Italy? Myron C. Taylor freder 45 File THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE Rome, anuary 30, 1945. Dear Edward: There are transmitted herewith for your information two copies of the minutes of meetings no. 10 and no. 11 of the Advisory group neld in connection with the dis tri- bution of American Relief for Italy material in Itely. Two copies of prospectus of Movement of Merchandise donated through American Relief for Italy and distributed by the National Committee for Distribution of Relief in Italy in the period January 1-15, 1945 are also enclosed. Sincerely yours, Miron C. Enclosures: as stated The Honorable Edward J. Stettinius Jr., Secretary of State Washington. January 22, 1945 Meeting No, 11 Following are minutes of a meeting of the Advisory Group concerning relief held Jenuary 22, 1945 in the Office of Ambessador Myron C. Taylor Chairmen of American Relief for Italy, Inc. Brig. G. Perkinson, D.S.O., Director of Public Health Subcommission presided over the meeting in the absence of Mr. Teylor, In attendence were: Brig. Gen. Thoburn Brown, Commending, Rome Area; Col.O.J. Bizzozero, Public Health Officer, Region IV, Allied Commission; Col. John McSweeney, Public Health end Welfere Officer, Subcom- mission, Allied Commission; Mgr. John P. Cerroll-Abbing, Director of Senitery Services, Pontifical Commission for A1d to Refugees; Ing. G. B. Vicontini, Executive Director of T.N.D.S.I.: Prof. John A. Caneperia, M.D., Inspector General of Public Heelth Department of Ministry of Interior; Ing. Enrico P. Galeazzi, Architect of the Secred postolic Palaces end Special Delegate to the Pontifical Commission of the State of the Vaticen City; Dr. L. Lapponi of the Italian Red Cross; Mr. Joseph S. Silber, American Red Cross, Acting Assistent to Mr. Teylor, end Mr. Thomes R. Ballantine, American Red Cross. Brig, Parkinson: Mr. Taylor has asked me to conduct the meeting this morning in his absence. First I think it would be 8 good plen if we could review the situation up-to-date. We appreciate the presence of General Brown this morning, because we know he is A busy men, end his time is valuable. General Brown, do you know the situation up-to-date? Gen. Brown: I only know what I.saw when I went to visit some refugee camps with Mr. Taylor on Seturday. Mr, Silber: I might report briefly on the progress of distribution in the provinces of Littorie end Frosinone. All the supplies allocated have elready been delivered within the provinces. I em advised RS of today that ell the clothing will be distributed from the warehoùses to the communes of Littoria. The distribution is not so fer advenced in Frosinone. In Naples 8 determination has been mede es to what clothing should go there, including the ten communes outside the city of Naples, Altogether 79,000 people will be served, of whom 20,000 live in the communes end 59,000 in the city of Noples, We are making 8 little different distribution in Naples than ordinary in that we are giving first priority of clothing to 8 group people called "impiegeti"--people who are earning less then 2,500 lire e month. They have been caught in the vise of being neither rich nor peupers. Next in order of priority come (1) the aged, who are living on inadequate pensions; (2) the bombed-out; (3) the destitute; (4) refugees. The next project is the one of Sicily. Ing. Vicentini and myself ere going to Sicily this week for the purpose of determining what the clothing needs are, We have elready errenged with the Subcommission for transport for the week of January 29th. In the provinces of the Abruzzi all the clothing hes been delivered, end-- RS far PS we know--the distribution has been made, (Mr. Silber submitted P. progress report for the week commencing January 22,1945- see etteched). Ing, Vicentini: With the exception of a small part of the provinces of Acuile end Campobasso where the roads are blocked by snow. Mr. Silber: In the Province of Rome allocation has been made, end delivery will be made this week. - 2 - ing, Vicentini: Total allocations have been made for 120,000 people in Rome Province, including the City of Rome. Mr. Silber: That brings us up-to-date except for milk and vitamins. Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: Up to the present milk and vitamins have been distributed to 4,902 children in 94 orphanages and institutions in Rome. I think our first figure of 8,000 children will not be exag- gerated. I think they can count on about 130 institutes altogether in Rome. We will make distributions to the children's hospitals, but instead of giving the children ordinary powdered milk, they will be given a quantity of dextri-maltose and protein milk in addition to the vitamins, In this way the special types of milk will be used more efficaciously, and there will be greater security in regard to medical control, I think that in two days we will have finished the distribution of milk in the City of Rome. We then plan to set up the same organization in Naples and to distribute milk to about 5,000 children there. Brig. Parkinson: We decided the distribution was to be twice monthl; Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: After seeing the first distribution, we decided to give the whole quantity, because it is quite a big job to give out the milk. The people bring along their carts and take away a couple of barrels in some places. It saves time and transport. Mr. Silber: In view of the fact that you are giving them eight weeks' supply instead of two, is there any way to check the distri- bution? Mgr. Curroll-Abbing: Yes. We have two doctors to check and make an inspection once a month. Brig. Parkinson: I think it is very important that we keep a care- ful check of the milk. Col. Bizzozero: We will help out on that too. Mr. Silber: Colonel Bizzozero, we talked to you, and we talked to Captain Brown about this--we will have a very substantial supply of milk, in excess of 1,000,000 tins. We hope your office will have completed the survey concerning the milk, so that when it arrives, we can plan on a much broader distribution. Col. Bizzozero: That will be completed. Mr. Silber: We think we will have enough milk to supply 50,000 children in Rome and Naples for six months. Brig. Parkinson: I think that is very cheering news! Mr. Silber: When you think on the basis of 50,000 children, do think you would have to go outside of institutions to reach that number? Col. Bizzozero: You would have to go into the schools. Schools are the place to go. Mr. Silber: In that way we could furnish milk to children who need it, and at the same time stimulate school attendance. Col. Bizzozero: The families would be glad to see it handled that way. - an - 3 - Mgr. Cerroll-Abbing: About the clothing situation-I wonder if anything could be done for some of the institutions in Rome if we do find the clothing/ The si tuation in some of them is very bad indeed. Many of the children coming to school from outside Rome are wi thout clothing. They ere usually the children coming from former battle areas. Brig. Parkinson: All the clothing distribution is settled up-to- date? Mr. Silber: Until Ing. Vicentini can tell us what is unallocated. We cennot tell what will be left until Neples, Foggia and Rome are completed. We can then determine the next ellocation, We know there will be some left. Ing. Vicentini: After distribution to Sicily end Calabria, we will have about 16,000 beles. We have 28,000 bales. Mr. Silber: You have 28,000 bales left after distribution to Frosinone and Littoria. Brig, Perkinson: Thet is 8 good belence. These bales do not elways contain children's clothing, do they? Ing. Vicentini: Only a few have children's clothing; the most part contein clothing for women. There is also a quantity of cloth in Italy now, amounting to about 25,000 meters, that we can buy from the militery. That is not free. Col. McSweeney: May I ask Mgr. Cerroll-Abbing--Would it be better to distribute the unmede materials to the institutions than to the people? Mgr. Cerroll-Abbing: Yes, it would be more practical. Mr. Silber: Is it your intention that ENDSI buy this material end distribute it free? There is 8 matter of policy involved. Mgr. Canoll-Abbing: It is 8 question for the Government. Ing. Vicentini: We ere making clothing for the children from the American material. Brig. Perkinson: A great denger erises here es in the case of the American Red Cross in the early days. We are getting some cloth- ing from other sources, end the question ceme up of whether it should be peid for. Mr. Jefferson of the Red Cross did not went to be mixed up in any way with eny clothing that was sold. The Red Cross has always distributed on e free basis, and if it got home that relief clothing was being sold, I think the resction would be bed. My own feeling is that if ENDSI is distributing on 8 free besis, that denger will be avoided. Ing. Galeszzi: We were mentioning the material from Americe. Mr. Silber: There are only 8,000 meters of that now here. We have made no special allocation for any group. Ing. Galeazzi: Couldn't it be allocated for the special purpose of supplying clothing to the children in schools end institutions that Mgr. Cerroll-Abbing mentioned? Mr. Silber: It could if this council decided to recommend such. - 4 - Ing. Galeezzi: They could be given samples end asked to meke the clothing just according to the samples. Mr. Silber: The material from America is being made up. Next week it cen be determined here whether it shell be put into the general pool or not. Brig. Perkinson: The other matter is about the 25,000 or 26,000 yerdstthet will have to be purchesed. Ing. Gelenzzi: It could be purchased by some other institute end turned over to the ENDSI for free distribution. Brig, Parkinson: That is quite 8 different thing. I think it is e mistake to get mixed up with anything, though, that is not dis- tributed on 8 free basis. Mr. Silber: Yes, if someone buys the cloth end turns it over to ENDSI to distribute free, thet is enother matter. The question WPS reised et e meeting e week or 80 agn about en ellocation for repatriated Itelian prisoners of war returning from the Balkens. Nothing has been determined about them. Brig, Parkimson: That ellocation has not been made yet. Ing. Geleazzi: I think something has been arranged by JUNTA. Mr. Silber: Mr. Taylor suggested that the full situation be pre- sented in regard to the needs of these people. We will pass on it in the next meeting. No allocation should be made to any group unless it is first agreed upon here. Ing. Vicentini: We telked about this situation in our last meeting The JUNTA elso met end telked about it. It is a very urgent ques- tion. These people are dying! Brig. Perkinson: Hes eny clothing reached them yet? Ing. Vicentini: No, it is ell in Neples. Mr. Silber: I think the fact that the JUNTA has approved it should be made known to this group, together with full information con- cerning the project, end the ectual ellocation not made until end unless it bears the form of en approval of this Advisory Group. Ing. Galeszzi: If this Council could just make e proposel and submit it to Mr. Taylor for his approval. Ing. Vicentini: I have information from the Itelien Ministry of War and from the Veticen that these refugees are without clothing. ey ere all men--no women or children. Ing. Geleazzi: Are they still in Bari? Ing. Vicentini: Part of them are in Bari and pert in Terranto. Ing. Geleazzi: If they are all in these two places, it would be 8 question of shipping this clothing from Naples to Beri end Terrento. There is e Vatican organization taking care of prisoners of war who are coming beck to Itely. The Vatican has been asked by the Itelian Foreign Ministry to do all possible in the way of e welfere program to these people. I think the information we have about them is quite complete. - 5 - Brig, Parkinson: Doesn't MMIA come into the picture Ing. Vicentini: The Military Government will give clothing only to those people who are in the Italian army. Ing. Galeazzi: These are not prisoners of war actually. They are soldiers who were in the Balkens when the ermistice was signed. They were in denger of being taken by the Germans. They are now coming back to Itely. Brig, Parkinson: They are possible recruits for the army, What I am thinking of is this: I SSW a letter from AFHQ regarding clothing for the Italien Army. The Italien Army gets first priority, patriots second, and civiliens last, Although you are considering an allocation of 10,000, I think it is wise to con- sider clothing. whether there is any other source from which they can get Ing, Vicentini: I was told not, Brig. Parkinson: If they are going into the ermy, they will be. taken care of, Ing. Vicentini: Yes, but there are those who are going back to their homes. Ing. Galeazzi: I think it would be a good thing to find out from the War Office whether these men are going back into the army or not. Mr. Silber: The information I have is that there ere 3,000 of thes men in the camps. All but 3,000 have been disbended. Many have gone home; others have gone on leave. If we had a little more specific information, we could meke better plans. If it is very urgent, I think the group could have a special meeting during the week. Brig, Perkinson: I think it is edviseble, too, that Ing. Vicentini get more specific information concerning the number of these people and their needs. Ing. Vicentini: I made B report of the si tuetion on Jenuary 15. Brig. Perkinson: You have told us what supplies you have; you will have about 8,000 boles. Mr. Silber: Roughly--about 500 tons. Ing. Galeazzi: When is the next landing of supplies expected? Ing. Vicentini: The middle of February. Mr. Silber: There will be 1,000 tons of materials and 50 trucks. Brig, Perkinson: I think you have done very well to get 8 prior- ity to the middle of February. I didn't think you would get the material before Merch. Mr. Silber: Does anyone have e further idea where we could gc in the area south of Rome? I might mention here that the person- nel officer of Serdinia WAS here Saturday. I think we should dis- cuss that matter. - 6 - Col. McSweeney: That program has been cerried on by Col. McPhee under Dunlep. 15,000 pairs of shoes heve been allocated to Sar- dinie. 13,000 have gone, 5,000 pairs of shoes sold to people in the individual ereas--mostly to miners. Ing. Geleazzi: The miners should receive first priority on the shoes. It is most urgent, because they oen oduce more coal. Col. McSweeney: Contrary to the first report, the people in Ser- dinierdo need clothing. Brig, Parkinsont In the areas where distributions have been made, do the people seem to be satisfied with what they are getting? Mar, Cerroll-Abbing: Yes, they are genuinely satisfied. pleased. Ing. Vicentini: I found in the Abruzzi that the people were very Brig, ParkinsonE What is the present situation concerning the hos- pitals which you are setting up at Cassino? Ing. Vicentini: We have hed some difficulty wi th the trensport of the materials. Dr. Ceneporie: Work was started on the first one last week, and it will be open end ready for use at the end of the month if the weather is good. Mr. Silber: A good deel of the material has elready been trens- ported there. Now what about the milk distribution for the refugee camps in Rome? Dr. Cenaperia: There are two comps here in Rome to which milk end vitemins will be distributed for children and coffee for edults. Mr. Silber: Are you going to start the work reasonably soon? Dr. Censperie: We expect to build up two of the small barrecks, one at each end of the refugee cemps, as e center for the dis- tribution. We are going shead. Brig. Perkinson: They were going to try to move the refugees out of the camps, but at the second one we visited the other day women were coming up begging to stay. Dr. Cenaperia: Yes, I spoke to the High Commissioner of Refugees. They are going to stay for swhile. They are waiting for other refugees from the north. Mr. Silber: There are still 1,000 refugees At Cesano. They were planning to close that comp up too. Dr, Consperia: There are still refugees there, and they will not be moved if they do not have another place to go. Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: They have started en agricultural center there. It would be 8 pity for them to move. Mr. Silber: The A.C. has been four months rehabilitating that camp, and now they are going to lose it. Col, McSweeney: UNRRA came in to see me about getting cenves. General Brown, do you have any cenves? - 7 - General Brown: We don't have any. We have to get it from PBS. Col McSweeney: We used to get it from Naples, but it is piled outdoors down there and is deteriorating. If we get e large supply, we can give you some for the refugee camps. General Brown: We are glad to help all we can. * * * * * Prospectus of Movement of Merchandise donated through American Relief for Italy and distributed by the E.N.D.S.I., in the period January lst - 15th 1945. On December 31st 1944 the following goods were in the warehouses: Bales 31,760 Cases 5,964 Unloading of the S/S Peregrime White. After the 1st January the S/S Peregrine White was unloaded at Naples with the following result: Cargo declared: Bales 3,103 Cases 924 Cargo delivered: " 3,093 " 921 Difference 10 3 On clearing out the hold other garments and broken cases were found. They were made up in smaller bundles and 23 sacks and 5 small cases were delivered to the worehouses. It would seem therefore that the full declared cargo was delivered without loss. Arrival of Brasilian Coffee. 450 sacks of Brasilian Coffee, the gift of the Brasilian Government, were brought from Leghorn to the warehouse in Rome by truck. Goods Delivered to 6 Devastated Provinces, The following goods were delivered to the Provincial Warehouse: AQUILA Sacks of Coffee 35 - Bales 275 - Cases 3. " 3,155 3 FROSINONE 112 " 3,140 " LITTORIA 104 To finish off the original plan of distribution to six devastated Provineesthe following deliveries must still be made: BOIANO (Prov.of Campobasso) Bales 180 Cases - AVEZZANO (Prov.of Aquila) " 287 " 5 Plans for further distributions. The Executive Committee of the E.N.D.S.I. (National Committee fo. Distribution of Rekief in Itely) has decided to begin the second plan of distribution, that is, to the Provinces of: FOGGIA NAPLES (devastated Communes in the Province and the Port itself) ROME (devastated Communes in the Province) ***** It was also decided to help the Italians who are being repatriated from the Balkans and who are arriving without any adequate clothing. ****** A start has been made on this second plan of distribution, and alread, Bales 232 - Cases 24 have been delivered to distressed Communes in Rome Province. Goods in Warehouses on January 15th. Bales of clothing 28,074 Sacks of Coffee 415 Cases 6,647 as in the enclosed prospectus. ****** WAREHOUSES STATEMENT AS OF JANUARY 15, 1945 NAPLES 1951 NAPLES 1952 NAPLES 1953 NAPLES 1954 ROME LANCIANO TOTAL Sacks Sacks Bales Cases Bales Cases Bales Cases Bales Cases coffee Bales Cases Bales Cases Bales coffee Cases On hand 1/1/1945 -- 2352 8489 101 8154 8 2975 -- -- 11422 3503 720 -- 31760 -- 5964 Received 1-15/1945 -- 921 3116 5 : -- : -- 450 -- -- -- : 3116 450 926 -- 3273 11605 106 8154 8 2975 -- 450 11422 3503 720 : 34876 450 6890 Distributed - " -- 219 3544 -- 1226 -- 1619 -- 35 413 24 -- -- 6802 35 243 -- 3054 8061 106 6928 8 1356 -- 415 11009 3479 720 -- 28074 415 6647 Transaction between Warehouses -- 43 -- - 3 : -- : -- -- -- -- -- -- -- : -- Remainder -- 3057 8061 103 6928 8 1356 -- 415 11009 3479 720 -- 28074 415 6647 Meeting No.10 Following are minutes of a meeting of the Advisory Group concerning relief held January 15, 1945 in the office of Ambassador Myron C. Taylor, Chairman of American Relief for Italy, Inc. Rear Admiral Ellery W. Stone, Chief Commissioner, Hq.Allied Commission, attended the meeting at the invitation of Mr.Taylor. The following were in attendance: Brig. Parkinson, D.S.O., Director of Public Health Subcommission; Dr. Zanotti-Bianco, President of the Italian Red Cross; Mgr.John P. Carroll-Abbing, Director of Sanitary Services of Pontifical Commission for Aid to Refugees, Ing. Envico Galeazzi, Architect of the Sacred Apostolic Palaces and Special Delegate to the Pontifical Commission of the State of the Vatican City; Dr.Lapponi of the Italian Red Cross; Ing.G.B. Vicentini, Executive Director of the E.N.D.S.I.; Prof.John A. Canaperia M.D., Inspector General of Public Health Department of Ministry of Interior; Major John McSweeney, Public Health and Welfare Officer, Subcommission, Allied Commission; Mr. Sidney .Crawley, Assistant Director of Civilian War Relief, American Red Cross; Col.O.J. Bizzozero, Public Health Officer of Region IV, and Mr. Joseph S.Silber, American Red Cross, Acting Assistant to Mr.Taylor. fr. Taylor: I asked Admiral Stone to come this morning to hear us sum up what we have accomplished up to this point and also to hear some of our future plans. (Mr.Taylor gave summary sheets to those present. Admiral Stone: Speaking for the Commission, and apart from any help my people may have been giving the efforts, the Commission is very appreciative and is very much impressed with what has been accomplish by this organization. Mr.Taylor: Thank you--that is very fine. Summing up, we have had ships from America with delivery which was expedited beyond the origin pledges that were made by AFHQ. About six million pounds of materials have arrived and all which have gone into the warehouses--four in Naples and one in Rome. We visited the warehouse in Rome this morning with the Prime Minister and some members of the Government, and found that a considerable quantity has already gone from the warehouses into the interior. Ing. Vicentini: Half of the total amount has gone. ,Taylor: Will you state briefly where these supplies have gone. Ing. Vicentini: In the provinces of Pescara, Chieti, Campobasso and Aquila the supplies are almost completely distributed. Shipments are 10W on the way to Frosinone and Littoria, and will be completed tomorrow. Ir.Taylor: You have had some difficulty with the weather? g.Vicentini: Yes but only for the communes of Aquila and Campobasso r.Taylor: Has that improved? z.Vicentini: Not yet. Avezzano and other towns are blocked by snow. One truck has arrived in Avezzano, but four are blocked on the mountains about 20 miles from Avezzano, The supplies have arrived in the warehouses of Lanciano. - 2 - Mr.Taylor: All the rest have gone through. The Italian Government jought a Quantity of blankets--about 16,000 and these are enroute to some of the same provinces, These blankets are being distributed through the National Committee. Ing.Vicentini: The blankets cost 750 lire each. ol.Armstrong and Major Snee have given splendid help in the distribution. Adm. Stone: Where did you find the blankets? Ing.Vicentini: In Prato near Florence. Mr.Taylor: There is a quantity of sheeting in Naples --about 100,000 yards, the price of which has been blocked by the Government or someone. Ing. Vicentini: I heard yesterday that they would give us half of this quantity. The price is 150 lire a meter. Mr. Taylor: The cost of sheeting is about 34 cents a yard in America. The price has been frozen here at a very high level. The question is whether some agency--logically the Government-- cannot afford to buy that material. It is very important, because one of the great shortage in hospitals at the present time is sheeting. rof.Canaperia: I think something has already been done about that. Mr.Taylor: The distribution of this sheeting would be effected through the National Committee. Would you advise that the distribution be foi Rome only? of.Canaperia: Mostly for Rome. The greatest quantity should be give to hospitals in the city. Mr.Teylor: The point is to centralize distribution to avoid competit: and disorder. Are there any other materials that anyone knows about which could be purchased? Vicentini: We are purchasing 28,000 meters of cloth, the price of which is also blocked. Tnat would be used by institutes to make children's clothing. Mr.Taylor: Is that woolen material? Ing.Vicentini:No, it is generally cotton cloth--but good cotton. Many institution have asked me to buy this cloth. Mr.Taylor: (Exhibited samples of men's and boys' trousers). This material has been sent from America and has been made up in one of the convents. The trousers for children cost 50 cents to produce. It is the opinion here that the top part of these trousers is too narrow. Mr.Silber: The band at the top of the trousers should be wider. Ing. Vicentini: The cost of making the men's trousers is also 50 cents. These were made in one of the convents by the sisters and girls who are working with them. There are three convents to assist in the making up of this material. Mr.Taylor: There was a suggestion that some of these could be made in trade schools. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: The convents correspond to the trade schools. Mr.Taylor: The trade school girls and boys, however, come in from the outside, do they not? " 3 - gr.Carroll-Abbing: Not always. They generally live inside. Ir.Taylor: I have cabled to New York to have an allowance made from the National War Fund invested in suitable materials--new clothing material that can be sent over here to be made up. Mr.Barr will eport on that when he returns. It is a very helpful thing to have the clothing made from new materials here in Italy. Mr. Silber: Would you also give a part of this material to a school for delinquents? Mr. Taylor: We could do that if we have enough. I suggest that this work of making the trousers be done quickly. I also mentioned to Prime Minister Bonomi the question of shoes. It seems to me if our manufacturers in America could design a shoe with a reasonably good sole and make a top of substantial material, perhaps canvas, the result could be a very serviceable type of shoe; then we could ask the Nationa War Fund to make the purchase of one million pairs. Adm. Stone: For adults? Mr.Taylor: Yes, I was told that in the country districts the women could get on very well with wooden shoes. If we are going to concen+ trate on men's shoes, would you drop women's shoes out of the program ontirely, and trust to the usual method of collections to get women's shoes? 1gr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes. Ing.Galeazzi: Also workmen's shoes can be used by women in the country Mr.Taylor: Does that strike the Brigadier as suitable? Brig.Parkinson: Yes. It seems to be a good idea. Mr.Taylor: Now about the distribution--we discussed last week proceeding next in the communes adjacent to the cities of Naples and Rome, and that was virtually agreed upon. After that distribution is completed, we planned to go into the cities of Naples and Rome with the surplus. Mr.Silber: We talked of distribution to the city of Foggia first. Mr.Taylor: Yes, that has been agreed upon. What would be left for distribution in the city of Naples and the city of Rome after the communal distribution is completed? Ing. Vicentini: For the communes of Naples we need about 4,000 bales, for Rome about 1,000 bales and for Foggia 1,000 bales. That would leave about 12,000 bales for the cities of Naples and Rome. We discussed the question of Rome yesterday in the Glunta and the opinior was that in the town of Rome the need is not so great. Taylor: I think the city of Rome apart from the institutions shoul take care of itself. Ing. Vicentini: The institutes need help, however. We have made inquiry to our Commission for Institutes concerning the need. They should give us report in few days concerning the situation. We figured that the total number of children in Rome to be helped is of about 8,000. Adm. Stone: I would like to know who has the responsibility for the children in institutions. Are the refugee children under the care of Zaniboni, or who has that resposibility. f.Canaperia: We take care of them. - 4 - .Taylor: Now we spoke of Sicily. :,jor McSweeney: have information from people who have served there, There are less than 6,000 Italian refugees, but there are about 4,000 refugees from North Africa. We figured, however, that there vould be 50,000 to 60,000 people in dire need.I checked to find out :bout the temperature and find that is only five degrees warmer than it is here; therefore, the need for clothing is just as great. We figure about 100 tons would take care of the refugees and the people who are in worst need of clothing. There are 380,000 people, but we Jan't reach all of them. Mr.Silber: 100 tonswould take care of about 30,000 to 35,000 people. There are about 2,500 to 3,000 bales in a ton. Mr. Taylor: Do you say that after serving the communes of Naples and Rome and the institutions in those cities, there will be enough for 100 tons for Sicily? r.Silber: Yes. The program outlined this morning, including Sicily; will about clean out our supplies. Mr.Taylor: Assuming all this is done--do you then feel that you have satisfied the needs in Southern Italy--I Jean the needs we can reasonably satisfy--so that we may turn our attention to another area? !gr.Carroll-Abbing: I think 80. Ing.Vicentini: I think that something will be needed in Calabria. Dr.Zanotti-Bianco had information that something was needed there. Mr.Taylor: We will rely on the next shipment of supplies to take care of other needs. The last report was that 2,1/4 million pounds was awaiting shipment in New York. The AFHQ said it would be shipped to arrive in early February or March. I find AFHQ very sympathetic in their recent statements, What they have lately done is wonderful. What A.C. has done also in the way of transport has been most excelle: and we want to show our appreciation. I did express appreciation in broadcast I made on Sunday a week ago. I think we must be fair to those who have assisted in this work; it is producing a lot of good. Adm. Stone: Has any survey been made of the needs in Sardinia? Mr.Silber: I talked with Brigadier Dunlop about that. He said that with the exception of the capital city, the need was not great. Brig. Parkinson: My experience .ith Sardinia is that there is a great amount of woolen material. The little children are well clothed in things made from wool. Adm.Stone: What about that mining area? Ing.Vicentini: The greatest need there is shoes. .Taylor: I asked a question some time ago whether we would have use for mobile kitchens in Italy such as the ones used in Britain that rushed in during disasters. Here it would be on a grand scale. That idea was discouraged. I would like to ask now about the need for ambulances. Mgr.Cerroll-Abbing: I would suggest that we try to get as many as possible; they are badly needed. Mr.Silber: We suggested 200 before as a minimum need. - 4 - .Taylor: Now we spoke of Sicily. lajor McSweeney:1 have information from people who have served there, here are less than 6,000 Italian refugees, but there are about 4,000 refugees from North Africa. We figured, however, that there vould be 50,000 to 60,000 people in dire need.I checked to find out :bout the temperature and find that is only five degrees warmer than it is here; therefore, the need for clothing is just as great. We 'igure about 100 tons would take care of the refugees and the people /ho are in worst need of clothing. There are 380,000 people, but we Jan't reach all of them. .Silber: 100 tonswould take care of about 30,000 to 35,000 people. There are about 2,500 to 3,000 bales in a ton. Mr.Taylor: Do you say that after serving the communes of Naples and Rome and the institutions in those cities, there will be enough for 100 tons for Sicily? [r.Silber: Yes. The program outlined this morning, including Sicily, vill about clean out our supplies. .Taylor: Assuming all this is done--do you then feel that you have satisfied the needs in Southern Italy--I jean the needs we can reasonably satisfy--so that we may turn our attention to another area? !gr.Carroll-Abbing: I think so. Ing.Vicentini: I think that something will be needed in Calabria. Dr.Zanotti-Bianco had information that something was needed there. Mr.Taylor: We will rely on the next shipment of supplies to take care of other needs. The last report was that 2,1/4 million pounds was awaiting shipment in New York. The AFHQ said it would be shipped to arrive in early February or March. I find AFHQ very sympathetic in their recent statements. What they have lately done is wonderful. What A.C. has done also in the way of transport has been most exceller and we want to show our appreciation. I did express appreciation in broadcast I made on Sunday a week ago. I think we must be fair to those who have assisted in this work; it is producing a lot of good. Adm. Stone: Has any survey been made of the needs in Sardinia? Mr.Silber: I talked with Brigadier Dunlop about that. He said that with the exception of the capital city, the need was not great. Brig.Parkinson: My experience ..ith Sardinia is that there is a great amount of woolen material. The little children are well clothed in things made from wool. Adm.Stone: What about that mining area? Vicentini: The greatest need there is shoes. Mr.Taylor: I asked a question some time ago whether we would have use for mobile kitchens in Italy such as the ones used in Britain that rushed in during disasters. Here it would be on a grand scale. That idea was discouraged. I would like to ask now about the need for ambulances. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: I would suggest that we try to get as many as possible; they are badly needed. Mr. Silber: We suggested 200 before as a minimum need. - 5 - r.Taylor: What exactly would you do with them? r.Crewley: The Italian Red Cross is badly in need of ambulances. r.Galeazzi: How many ambulances did the Italian Red Cross have? Many were taken away by the Germans. Dr,Lapponi: About 80 ambulances were either destroyed or taken away from Rome. Mr.Taylor:How many in the provinces? g.Geleazzi: That might be the starting point--to find out what used to be the number in the Italian ned Cross before they were taken way. They surely have the records im.Stone: Were those 80 all in civilian use? ng.Galeazzi: Yes. r.Taylor: We have obtained the 50 trucks. They are the result at ome of donations of trucks. Toscanini donated three of them. We ave the trucks; now is the time to ask for 100 ambulances. ajor McSweeney:We need tires foresome of our vehicles. We get salvage ires in Naples, but a lot of them are nearly worn out. n.Stone: Take it up with Densmore, and see if you can get some. Parkinson: I put a priority bid yesterday for a shipment that is coming in. Taylor: When the trucks arrive, what should we do with them? They have to be housed and cared for. They have to be assigned by American Relief for Italy to accomplish their particular work. I think ARI should keep them under their own mane. Adm. Stone: It means you will have to start an organization of drivers. The Vatican has a good transport system that might be followed. Mr.Taylor: We have no money to pay for drivers or housing and servicing of these trucks. Who can take care of the trucks and service chem? How are we going to allocate them? We do not want them standing Idle. ..Silber: The thought was expressed that American Relief for Italy will probably not require the full use of the 50 trucks. If some \rrangement could be made with a military agency to house them and "urnish the drivers, they in turn could have the use of them when ARI s not using them. r.Taylor: I would like to have that studied and planned. That might a a way of getting them serviced and a good way to utilize them ati 11 times, Brig. Parkinson: The Italian Red Cross can find good use for some of ;hese trucks. They are running six hospitals and want trucks for each of them. Ing. Vicentini: These trucks can be utilized in relief work from Naples to Leghorn, so that the agencies who take care of the trucks would have to be a national organization. Mr, Taylor: You who are active in this work should get together and - 6 - raw up a plan-devise some alternatives. The supplies which are to rrive are as follows: Gross Weight Cubic Feet. in Pounds 00 Ford trucks 1-1/2 tons (1944) 281,500 15,325 50 stake bodies for truck 66,750 4,280 Shoes 40,000 19,000 Clothing, used 500,000 40,000 Clothing,new 50,000 3,800 Medical supplies 10,000 800 Vitamins 1,350 90 Dextri Maltose with yeast and iron 4,800 120 Powdered whole milk 5,900 320 Sewing kits, needles thread 7,000 300 Evaporated milk 1,200,000 24,650 First aid kits 1,000 75 New Shoes 4,200 140 Shawls 18,000 1,800 Physicians instruments 400 15 dlankets 55,000 810 Macaroni 1,000 50 Boap 28,000 1,250 Powdered protein milk 9,960 450 gr.Carroll-Abbing: The quantity of dried milk we plan to distribute .s 94,000 pounds. That is 208,800 liters of milk, which is 853,560 [uarter liter rations, With that quantity you could supply 13,926 children for two months--a quarter liter per day. Mr.Taylor: Originally the supply was to last three months, but it was decided wiser to have a lerger ration for a shorter time. Will the milk be given to the children once or twice a day? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: We will give the milk to the institutes, and they will distribute it daily on their own plan--some may give it out twice a day, others all at once. The milk is in storage in Rome and Naples. Dr.Canaperia gave me the list he received from the Ministry of Interior, It totals 130 institutes in Rome totalling about 4,000 under 10 years of age. Mr.Taylor: Can you take care of 130 institutes? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes, and we also have to take care of Naples. Mr.Silber: We intend to give about a third to Rome. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: We thought of establishing a little office that could deal with this question of milk distribution, and have a doctor there for consultation and supervision. We could publish in the pape, that institutions having these children could apply at this office, S: that if any institutions did not apply, it would be their own fault. Mr.Silber: You will find that 1.Bizzozero's office has a complete list. Bizzozero: The thing that is important to me is to find out the exact amount of milk and the intention. We have been taking care of children up to one year of age--giving them 140 grams of milk, That has been done on a satisfactory basis. We have also been giving rations up to four years of age. I will be glad to give you the list that we have. Mr.Taylor: If we run short, perhaps you can help us. - V - Brig. Parkinson: About the skimmed milk that has been used--we get reports every month about children getting skimmed milk. Bizzozero: We have been able to serve children up to one year of age with whole milk because we put aside a supply. The skimmed milk does not have enough caloric value. Tuat will be corrected. Mgr.Carroll-Abbine: There is a question concerning the dextri maltose milk and protein milk. I think in the last meeting we spoke of assigning this to special institutions or hospitals for sick children. ol.Bizzozero: There is a little danger in assigning this type of milk. That is a thing that should be governed and supervised by physicians. I em afraid of diarrhea if the children are not used to the dextrose milk. Mr.Teylor: What is a safe amount to give each day? Col.Bizzozero: In the States we used to give a small amount three times a day mixed into a formula. The trouble is that you can't turn a dose of maltose over to the average mother. I think the mortality would arise in infants due to diarrhea unless this distribu tion of detri-maltose and protein milk could be supervised by doctors or dieticians. Ir.Taylor: Is the yeast in the same category? Col.Bizzozero: Yeast is not dangerous to distribute. It is a good thing--will take the place of most of the vitamins. It could be put into a number of different foods nicely. Mr.Taylor: What do you plan to do with that yeast? Canaperia: It would be distributed in the institutions in Rome and Naples. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: We have 8 great quantity of yeast tablets--about 780,000. We also thought of taking care of the provinces with this supply. Mr.Taylor: Do you know how to use the yeast? Col.Bizzozero: It is harmless, but you must make sure that the tablet are going to be taken and used for the right purpose. I think in all these communes the best idea would be to give the tablets to the schools and have the nurses distribute them to the children. The othe. alternative is showing them how to make it into powder and put it into bread, jelly, cookies or peanut butter. If the yeast is distributed in the schools, I don't think we will have any trouble with it gettin on the black market. Mr.Taylor: Did we decide the distribution of the vitamins would have to be made every few weeks? rof.Canaperia: No, a distribution for two months would be all right. Mr.Taylor: Are the vitamins and milk in balance so that they will last about the same lenght of time. Canaperia: Yes. Mr.Taylor: When can you start the distribution? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Tomorrow we will start the distribution in Rome. Mr.Silber: Naples is now preparing a list of institutions. We will ship 1/3 of the supply in bulk to Naples. B : ! M- Taylor: What other things are there in the medical line? "sr. Carroll-Abbing: We have some food bars. Silber: We have 130,000 left. We will distribute these food bars once. In fact, I think it has been decided to distribute everything once except the milk-and to distribute the milk every 15 days. Mr.Taylor: What about the surgical sets? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: The list is being prepared by the Italian Red Cross. Mr.Taylor: One man came to get a set to take to Rimini. 30,000 people were taken out of Rimini and are now coming back. They have nothing in the way of clothing supplies. I have talked to Brig. Parkinson and Gen.Hume about it. The American Red Cross sent 30,000 garments to Arezzo, but someone came down last week and told the Crown Prince that there had been no distribution there. I said I didn't think it was true because before Christmas the Red Cross made a distribution there. Mr. Crawley: That material arrived in December, and all of one shipment had been delivered to that area, and another was on its way. Mr.Taylor: You feel then that that has been taken care of? Mr.Crawley: I know that 28,000 pieces of clothing went there on the 18th for distribution. The communes should have received the distri- bution by now. An additional 15,000 pieces was held up because of transport, but since that time I understand it has been shipped from the warehouse. The town of Rimini has received over 30,000 or 40,000 garments; I know they have arrived and should be distributed by now. Mr.Taylor: Of course we are interested sympat with all areas, but that is outside the released zone for the present. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: We have 1,290 first aid kits which have not been allotted yet. Prof.Canaperia:Most of them should be distributed in the communes of the devastated areas. Mr.Silber: They are greatly needed in some of the more insccessible places. Mr.Taylor:Have the surgical sets been assigned? of.Canaperia: Yes. The only thing is that the knives are missing from them. Mr.Taylor: I wired to New York about that. The next subject is to consider whether we are justified at the present moment in making plans fordistribute the new materials that are coming in to the area between our present operations and the line of the Allied Military Government in the north which would take a line above Viterbo. Mr.Silber: From the Italian Government line north to what is the army line is a substantial distance, and it includes a great deal of devastated areas. Rieti is the line of the north. The only town of any size on the south is Viterbo. Mr.Taylor: Are we in a position to say that when we have completed the distribution of the materials we have been discussing this - 9 - morning, we will suggest that operations begin in the northern area? That is the question. Mr. Silber: I think we should consider the northern areas to receive distributions from the new merchandise yet to arrive. It would be a good idea for the ship to dock at a point north of the present line. Leghorn would be the best point of debarkation. We have to consider the availability of warehousing. Mr. Taylor: If we know what we want to do in the whole area, it might be well to take the material from the ship and transport it inland immediately. Mr. Crawley: Piombino, they say, has facilities which could be utilized for storage of clothing. The opportunities for securing storage space in Leghorn are very limited. Mr. Taylor: Piombino was devastated when I was there. Brig. Parkinson: I think we are looking way ahead--but Bologna might be a central place for distribution. Mr.Silber: There is a little port hear the town of Rossano which has warehousing facilities. There was a former motion picture theater there, and I think that building would make an adequate warehouse. Mr. Taylor: There is a lt of study and consideration to be done. If we are right in taking on further responsibility in the matter of distribution, then we ought to begin at once to explore the situation. Mr.Silber: It would be wise to have your warehousing close to your center of activity so that when the material arrived, you would be ready to go. Mr. Taylor: You will plan to make a survey of that area. Ing. Vicentini: Yes, we will plan to go to Leghorn and to Florence. Mr.Taylor: Are there any other items you would ask to be sent from New York? Ing. Vicentini: Last time we met we spoke about blankets and soap. Mr.Taylor: We have advised them about that. Brig. Parkinson: I have a letter that has just been received here which I think will require some investigation. (Brig. Parkinson read & letter concerning the refusal of an organization in one of the communes to give shoes to anyone who was not a member of the union), I just give you that for what it is worth. Evidently the situation is in hand now, and the distribution will be made, but it does show that these things will have to be watched. Mr. Taylor: Have any of you heard of other occurences similar to this? Ing. Vicentini: No. We have a communal committee in each place composed of the Sindaco, the priest and the communal health officer. Generally these three authorities agree. There is a good control over the distribution. We have heard of no incidents of this kind in our distributions. BDig. Parkinson: They are attempting something foreign to our method of distribution. -10- of.Conaperia: We did not go into the area you mention. rig.Parkinson: It must have been Red Cross material. Mr.Taylor: Will you forward a copy of this complaint to the National Committee? Ing. Vicentini: Yes. I think they were referring to shoes made by the Government. Crawley: I cannot understand why the Red Cross would give all those shoes without additional supplies. It doesn't sound like our distribution. Mr. Silber: It is understood that the next distribution authorized will be to Sicily after the Naples City. In carrying out our scheduleg we must put in our bids with A.C.In advánce to insure transport. I would like to ask Ing. Vicentini when he will be ready for distribution for Foggia City. I have arranged the railroad trucks for the 29th. Ing.Vicentini: I shall tell you this afternoon. Mr.Silber: I will arrange transport whenever you are ready for Rome Province. Vicentini: Two communes of Rome have their trucks. Mr.Silber: The transport is arranged for Rome, and Naples will have its own. Mr. Taylor: I think you should recognize the fact that we have free transport--on a free basis. Of course we could not pay our fund go into supplies, not service and I think we owe a great deal to A.C. and AFHQ for their fine performance and the use of their facilities. I was thinking last night about the work of the National Committee. Continous appeals have been made to the Government and to Ing. Galeazzi, representing the Vatican, for automobiles and trucks. Neither Agency has indicated that they could offer assistanc in this regard. The National Committee at the present time is without any means of transport with the exception of automobiles rented from private owners paying from 700 to 1,000 lire a day for their use. The American priests have been furnished no transport by the Vatican. The travels of Father Markam in the Cassino area were made in a vehicle rented by the National Committee at a cost of 700 lire a day. Although the President and the Secretary of the Interior have been requested to requisition automobiles and have been given the names and addresses of automobiles, they have failed to act, and Ing. Vicentini is sure they will not act. No one in America or here thought of distribution in the beginning, we thought only of planning accumulation. There should be contribution of vehicles to stop the expenses of renting cars from private sources. We will call another meeting as soon as questions some up. Our plans made here in the Advisory Group are only plans that we present to the National Committee, but I hope the National Committee will not release the use of materials unless first going through this process. It would cause confusion and competition. Ing. Galeazzi: Mr.Vicentini can make the contact with the National Committee. Mr. Taylor: If that ends the discussion, I would like to suggest that as many of us as possible ride out to the refugee camps. Brig. Parkinsom: I made arrangements to do that. -11- Major McSweeny:I would like to present a report which I took the liberty of preparing showing the breakdown of the communes. It right be of help for information concerning the different communes (Gave report to Ing. Vicentini). ***** THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE file myron Jayen folder 4-45 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE Rome, February 7, 1945. Dear Mr. President: I am sending you herewith for the records two copies of the following documents: Meeting no. 12 of January 29, 1945 of advisory group of American Relief for Italy- National Committee; Report on Progress for the week commenting January 22, 1945; Report of Welfare Branch, Public- Health Sub-Commission of Allied Commission; Report of Mr. J. S. Silber on trip to Naples, January 9-11, 1945. Sincerely yours, Enclosures: Myron C. Taylor As stated The President, The White House Washington. Jenuery 13, 1945 TO : Mr.Taylor SUBJECT: Report of Trip to Nep les, January 9-11 Inclusive. FROM : Mr.Silber, American Red Cross The undersigned, accompended by Signor Zeccerien, visited Naples for a two-fold purpose--(1) to institute and carry out the program of movement of supplies from the Naples werehouses and (2) tr commence the initial stages for e distribution of relief supplies in Neples City. Heretofore requests have been made and approval given for sufficient reilroad freight cers to nove to various places from Neples approximately 560 tons of supplies. On January 9, after numerous conferences in Neples, I wish to report the results PS follows: We obtained from the Trensportatio Subcommission of Allied Commission 60 Italian boxcers with arrangements to get them in the following menner et the ventral station of Naples: Jenuary 10, 1945 - 8 cars to Littoria Jenuary 11, " - 9 cers to Formie (Littorie Province) Jenuary 12, " -20 cers to Ceccano (Frosinone Province) Jenuary 13, 11 - 6 cars to Terracine (Littorie Province) Jenuary 14, 11 -17 cars to Rome. Motor trucks were obtained from verious sources in Neples, including A.C. end P.B.S., to cerry all merchandise from ENDSI warehouse in Noples to reilroad siding in Neples. On Jenuary 10th and January 11th c°rs were delivered by the reilroad authorities, loaded end dispatched to their destination. Arrengements were made before leaving Naples with railroad and militery authorities for notor transport in Naples of sufficient emounts to complete this movement. The 60 cers above mentionedm it is estimated, will be sufficient to carry 560 tons, being the total rolling stock requeste with ellocation to Littoria and Frosinone end with e belance to Rone ENDSI warehouses. Arrangements were also mede to hondle all trains departing from Neples end for sufficient guard to eccompany them, Both provincial Und SENDSI officials at the destinations are to have notice of the depertures end estmated time of srrival. In Littoria Province werehouses of ENDSI are reasonably close to the railhead. The situation, however, is somewhat different in Frosinone. ENDSI in that province has three warehouses, one each at Roccesecce, Arce end Alatri. It was deemed inexpedient, however, to unlood the cars et Roconsecce reilhead (being the railheed closest to the warehousel, due to the fact that it is a most important military reilheed, Furthermore, due to the inadequency of rail unloading space, the cars containing the merchandise would be likely to remein loaded for several days without proper or adequate guard, end this would likely result in greet pilferage. ÁS e result, the undersigned went to Fiuggi, the present provincial capitel of Frosinone, on January 11 to confer with provincial militery authorities. an agreement was reached to have the cers sent to Ceprano, e railhead closer to Roccesecce than Cecceno. Motor transport will be made available at Cepreno to haul this materiel quickly end safely to ENDSI werehouses within the province. It now appears likely that, as of Jenuary 14, all clothing for the provinces of Littoria end Frosinone will have been received within the provinces end that by January 15 additional stores will have been received in Rome, thus carrying out the intended policies El as expressed by the Advisory Council of ARI to repidity--yet in - 2 - on orderly feshion--empty the werehouses in Neples. It is my opinion that the present schedule now being maintained and the progress being reported is setisfactory end that the provinciel committee end the communel committees in the devestated areas will have completed their teeks during Jenuery. Neples City: Cerrying out the approved plan of the Advisory Council for e distribution of relief supplies in Naples City, we met with the provincial committee in Naples on Jenuery 10 and discussed in deteil (1) the proper organization of committees within the Neples City to cerry out e substantial clothing distribution and (2) the necessity for speed in distributing the supplies. It WAS agreed that on January 16 we would be advised in e return visit to Neples the number of persons in need, the classification used in determining such number, the method of distribution, end the ennouncement that ell the organization for such distribution hed been completed. In the discussion to determine the classification of people who would be aided, it was finally agreed to use the following method of priority: 1. Impiegati - People earning less than 3,000 lire e month. 2. Pensioneti - The aged who are living on a pension wholly inadequate to sustein themselves. 3. Sinistrati - The bombedOout, yet permenent, residents in Neples. 4. Poveri - The destitute. 5. Profughi P. The people who have now become more or less permenent refugees having been in Neples Province in many cases for 8 long period of time, to-wit, twelve months. The five groups above, it is believed, may reach 100,000 and the City of Neples is to give us the information 68 to how many it is estimated there ere in each classificétion. When the figure is eveilable, it is quite likely that if the clothing is unavailable for the number requested, the groups will be taken off the list on a priority besis, so that the refugees, by wey of illustration, will be the last group to be considered. In order that the ellocation end distribution be kept eminently fair end free of discrimination, any veriation in the persons to be assisted will be done by group, end either all or none of 8 certein group classification will be essisted. Present indications pre that there are sufficient clothing stores in Neples unallocated, which cen be earmerked for Naples City to serve between 60,000 end 100,000 persons. Definite assurances were given that the distribution would be entirely completed by Jenuery 31. (Sgn) Joseph S. Silber American Red Cross HEADQUARTERS ALLIED COMMISSION AFC 394 Public Health Sub-Commission 14 Junuary 1945 AC/305/PH SUBJECT: - Report on the needs of the people of Sicily for clothing TO : - Director, Public Health Sub-commission. 1. The Chief Welfare Branch was charged with obtaining, as quickly as possible, reliable information relative to the needs of refugees and of citizens generally in Sicily. 2. The following persons were interviewed: (A) Mr. Joseph Silber, A.R.C., who is in charge of the refugees sent into Sicily; (B) Miss Mary C. Dupee, A.R.C., who was in charge of relief work in six of the nine provinces of Sicily and who kindly wrote a very interesting and detailed report which is an appendix hereto; (c) Mrs. Cora Battiati of the Italian Red Cross now working as an American Red Cross associate for E.N.D.S.I.. Sue is a Sicilian - her family lives there now; (D) Mr. Peter Bunford of the British Friends Ambulance Service, 3. The following reports and sources of information were studied: (A) The reports of R.P.H.O., Sicilia Region (B) The reports of other A.C. Orficials serving in Sicily. (c) Prof. Lauro Chiazzase, Regional Officer Welfare Commissioner Sicily. (D) Special communication from R.P.H.O., Sicilia Region. (E) Statistics on climate condition in Sicily. (F Newspaper and periodicals to learn reaction of the Press. 4. The deductions from these reports and sources of information are as follows: (A) Of the approximately 4,200,000 people of Sicily, between 10 to 15 percent or 450,000 persons will need some clothing predicating these estimates on comparisons with the needs in recentl devastated areas, keeping in mind however that she has had a year in which to recover from a lesser devastation that we find in Italy. A misconception arose about Sicily being much warmer than Italy; the mean average temperature between Sicily and the central part of Italy: for example 10 to latitude north and one degree south of Rome is about 50. However the greater proportion of Sicily's population is in warmer section. -- 2 - (B) There are about 6,000 refugees in Sicily now from mainland of Italy, all needing a great deal of clothing. 5. Recommendation. (A) That committees be organized and asked to cooperate with any existing reliable welfare group to prepare immediately for this distribution of clothing. (B) That this distribution be made by the earlist possible so that the Sicilians, politically, will not feel that they have been neglected and taken care of as an after thought. (c) That at least 100 tons be sent immediately and another 100 tons as soon as possible. (Sgn) John McS..eeney, Mujor, Spec.Res, Chief, Welfare Branch. Copy to: Mr. Taylor. January 20, 1945 TO : Mr.Taylor SUBJECT: Progress Report for the Week Commencing January 22, 1945 FROM : Mr: Silber, American Red Cross Distribution in Littoria end Frosinone Provinces: All goods destined for these two provinces have alreedy been delivered in provincial warehouses and are now in the process of distribution to the communes. It is likely that distribution to the public hes already proceeded end should be completed in the provinces of Littoria in eccordance with time schedule heretofore determined, to-wit: January 31, In the provinces of Frosinone the time for ultimate distribution will probably continue into February. Naples Province: Finel determination has alreedy been made on the clothing alloostion for Neples Province and Neples City, end commencing Jenuery 22 the merchandise will be delivered to the provincial committee in 0 werehouse already agreed upon. The provincial committee is prepered to proceed with the immediate distribution et once. Sicily: Ing. Vicentini and the undersigned ere proceeding to Sicily during the week for the purpose of obtaining first-hand the ectual information as to the need, the amount of allocation, and the perfection of provincial end communel organization. The results of this survey will be made evailable to the Advisory Committee prior to Jenuary 29, which is the date tentatively set for the transport of merchandise from Naples to Sicily. Milk and other supplies: The distribution of milk, vitemins, etc. has =lready commenced in the city of Rome to a group of institutions approximately 125 in number. This distribution is being made on the besis of 8 formula heretofore egreed to, that is, one quarter litter milk per dey for all children up to the ege of 10 in institutions only. Region IV of A.C. has agreed to undertake the complete survey of institutions in Rome, the results of which will be made available to this organization and which should be a great velue and benefit in determining subsequent ellocations of milk out of the shipment expected from the United States efter February 1. In the city of Neples such 8 survey has elreedy been mede in the past, end the list of institutions to be serviced will be made available to Ing. Vicentini end myself in Neples during the coming week. Wg are planning to remain in Naples önróur way to Sicily long enough to obtain this information. Arrangements have clreedy r been made to ship the Neples allotment of milk, vitamins, etc. to Neples from Rome on January 30. In conclusion we made summeries of present operations as follows: 1. The provinces of Chisti, Pescere, Aquile, Littorie, Frosinone and Cempobesso: All the clothing delivered and distribution in 2. Naples City end Naples Province: Allocations have been made werehousing end trensportation have been errenged, and distribution is to commence during the week of Januery 22. 3. Rome Province (excluding Rome City): Clothing is to be delivered into the communes commencing Januery 27. 4. Foggie City: Clothing is to be delivered Jenuary 29. - 1 - 5. Sicily: Clothing is to leave Neples for Sicily on Jenuary is. This amount is to be determined subsequent to A personal survey to be made prior to that time. Milk end other food end medical products: Delivery is now being made in Rome City and is to be mede in Noples City during the week of Jenuery 29. Hospitel material for Gessino area is now in the process of construction upon the premises. Virtually ell the material has been delivered at ultimate place of destination. (Sgn) Joseph S. Silber. American Red Cross January 20, 1945 : Mr.Teylor SUBJECT: Progress Report for the Week Commencing January 22, 1945 FROM : Mr. Silber, American Red Cross Distribution in Littoria end Frosinone Provinces: All goods destined for these two provinces have alreedy been delivered in provincial warehouses and ere now in the process of distribution to the communes. It is likely that distribution to the public hes already proceeded end should be completed in the provinces of Littoria in eccordence with time schedule heretofore determined, to-wit: January 31, In the provinces of Frosinone the time for ultimate distribution will probably continue into February. Naples Province: Finel determination has already been made on the clothing alloostion for Neples Province and Neples City, end commencing Januery 22 the merchandise will be delivered to the provincial committee in 0 werehouse already agreed upon. The provincial committee is prepared to proceed with the immediate distribution et once. Sicily: Ing.Vicentini end the undersigned ere proceeding to Sicily during the week for the purpose of obtaining first-hand the ectual information as to the need, the amount of allocation, and the perfection of provincial end communel organization. The results of this survey will be made available to the Advisory Committee prior to Jenuary 29, which is the date tentatively set for the transport of merchandise from Neples to Sicily. Milk and other supplies: The distribution of milk, vitemins, etc has *lready commenced in the city of Rome to a group of institutions approximately 125 in number. This distribution is being made on the besis of 8 formula heretofore egreed to, that is, one quarter liter milk per dey for ell children up to the age of 10 in institutions only. Region IV of 4.0. has agreed to undertake the complete survey of institutions in Rome, the results of which will be made evailable to this organization end which should be a great value and benefit in determining subsequent ellocations of milk out of the shipment expected from the United States efter February 1. In the city of Neples such a survey has elreedy been made in the past, end the list of institutions to be serviced will be made available to Ing. Vicentini end myself in Neples during the coming week. 11ig are plenning to remain in Naples önrour way to Sicily long enough to obtain this information. Arrangements have clreedy e been made to ship the Neples allotment of milk, vitemins, etc. to Neples from Rome on Jenuary 30. In conclusion we made summeries of present operations as follows: 1. The provinces of Chisti, Pescere, Aquile, Littoria, Frosinone and Cempobesso: All the clothing delivered and distribution in progress. 2. Neples City end Neples Province: Allocations have been made werehousing and trensportation have been errenged, and distribution is to commence during the week of Januery 22. 3. Rome Province (excluding Rome City): Clothing is to be delivered into the communes commencing Jenuery 27. 4. Foggie City: Clothing is to be delivered January 29. - 1 - 5. Sicily: Clothing is to leave Naples for Sicily on Jenuary This smount is to be determined subsequent to A personal survey to be made prior to that time. Milk end other food end medical products: Delivery is now being mode in Rome City and is to be mede in Naples City during the week of Jenuery 29. Hospital material for Cessino erea is now in the process of construction upon the premises. Virtually all the material has been delivered at ultimate place of destination. (Sgn) Joseph S. Silber. Americen Red Cross Jenuery 29, 1945 Meeting No. 12 Following are minutes of 8 meeting of the Advisory Group concerning relief held January 29, 1945 in the office of Ambessedor Myron C. Taylor, Chairman of American Relief for Italy, Inc. The following were in attendence: Brig. Perkinson, D.S.O., Director of Public Heelth Subcommission; Mgr. John P. Carroll-Abbing, Director of Senitary Services of Pontifical Commission for Aid to Refugees; Ing. Enrico P. Galeazzi, Architect of the Sacred Apostolic Pelaces and Special Delegate to the Pontifical Commission of the State of the Veticen City; Dr.L. Lapponi of the Italian Red Cross; Prof. John A. Censperia M.D., Inspector General of Public Health Depertment of Ministry of Interior; end Howerd .Berr, Assistent to Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor: I an very glad to have Mr. Berr back. During his absence Mr. Silber has been taking his plece. .Silber is now in Sicily with Ing. Vicentini, He will be back in e day or two. Silber has been ordered to Greece for the American Red Cross 80 that he will be leaving us some time later in the week. He has done excellent service end we are very grateful to him for his assistance. He is very competent end energic end has been successful in all his undertekings. Brig. Parkinson has been on a journey in some of the devesteted eress and also hes interested himself in converting materials which he has been able to recever from the Army waste stocks into useful germents. He will explain ebout that work. Will you give us some information on your visit? Brig, Perkinson: Putting it very briefly I think I can deal with it in this way: that in the period of five months the change in the population is, as I consider it, for the better. There is a great deal of reconstruction taking place, people are working, they seem to be better satisfied, there is not that feeling of depression that there was some time ago. They are really start- ing to help themselves. The appearance in one institution I visi ted must be a hundred percent better. The girls, all ages, looked fit and well, better nourished and cared for. Mr, Taylor: Where was that? Brig. Perkinson: In Neples. I might say that it seemed they were doing more to help themselves--I noticed that throughout my visit, I don't want to suggest that everything is a hundred percent good. I would say there is 8 very vast change. I passed through some of the coastel ar AS, es well as Cassino end Frosinone. I would also report of seeing children wearing the clothing which had been distributed et Christmas time by ENDSI. I saw Cessino the day the Germans left. There is e difference now in the people. Their appearance is cuite changed. I visited soup kitchens end saw them prepering the midday moal, I spoke to some about it. They all seemed very content with what they were getting. Mr. Taylor: You said that the welfare branch of AC would issue edditional food in some cases? Brig, Perkinson: Yes. Apart from the ordinery basic ration which is supplies, When information is received thet any perticular area is in dire want errangements ere made to give e supplementary ration. Mr. Teylor: By whom? - 2 - Brig. Parkinson: By the Food Subcommission. I was discussing that with them yesterday. Mr.Taylor: Has the food subcommission been active in that respect in Arezzo and Florence? Parkinson: Yes, everywhere I think that has béen fairly well taken care of, in proportion to the amounts available. I have found that the Food Subcom ission always responds to the best of its ability. Mr. Taylor: You were telling me about the conversion of salvaged material which you were able to get from the Army. Brig, Parkinson: I have some samples with me; this is some of the work. There has been a lot of discussion about trying to make over the salvaged material from the discarded garments of the armies. The Military Mission in Italy has first choise as to the use of these salvaged garments. Anything that can be used to uniform the Italian troops, that can be successfully dyed and re- paived, is used for this purpose. Some of the welfare officers of the Public Health Subcommission of AC thought that use could be made of the remainder of the salvaged material. The Public Health Officer in Naples organized a workroom employing 50 women with sewing machines. It is set up on a production basis and the bales of salvaged material are cleaned and disinfected and taken through the factory step by step. The material is cut up, buttons removed, and then this pases on into the next room where useable pieces are cut and sewn together to make blankets. The factory is growing rapidly and now covers six rooms. They have produced about 10,000 articles, including 7,000 blankets, all from salvaged Army material. In the northern area the blankets are extremely valuable. May I show you some examples of clothing prepared in these workrooms? (At this point he showed some extremely valuable children's garments manufactured from salvaged material, including cloth shoes for infants.) May I remind you that these are all made from the second pickingsof the salvage, after the material from MMIA has been withdrawn? Galeazzi: Where is that done? Brig. Parkinson: In Naples. Mr. .Taylor: These are made from the second picking of the waste ma- terial from the Army? Brig. Parkinson: Yes. This Welfare Officer at the North told the one in Naples about it and he has been the first in the field. The waste material from the factories has been handed over to an orphanage so that there is a third subproduct and may I show you these garments made by the nuns? May I call special attention to the shoes made by the Sisters? Mr. Taylor: So now there is nothing left--they have used everything. And what quantity of the production does this represent? Brig, Parkinson: This particular work is in its infancy and can be developed. But the largest production is from the second group where 50 women are working over the material and scraps from the second pickings; so long as we can get the material and keep it up. Mr. Taylor: Couldn't you get institutions to work on this? - 3 - Parkinson: That could be done. Ing.Galeazzi: Yes, why couldn't that be started? Do they have the same waste material here? g.Parkinson: Naples is the big dump. Mr.Taylor: From the north? Parkinson: Yes, I don't think there are dumps here in Rome. Mr. Barr: They are collected in the North, processed there in quartermaster cleaning establishments. Between Naples and Caserta there is a big factory that repairs army material. Brig. Parkinson: This, of course, can go on indefinitely because we are making the things out of salvaged material. It is a good line that is being started. Mr. Barr: The garments are very useful and the design completely satisfactory. Ing. Galeazzi: The material is wonderful. Parkinson: You couldn't get this material anywhere els e now. Mr.Taylor: We have talked a good deal about using waste material. This is now the first time we have seen a demonstration. Now we know; you have the ice broken. In following up this operation if there is any help the National Committee can give I am sure they would be willing in that respect. Barr, you went to Cassino to see the progress of the hospitals. How did you find the situation there? Mr.Barr: We are finding Italian weather completely non-cooperative. It has rained for 18 days at Cassino. They keep trying to work on the foundation of the first hospital and as soon as they get the concrete poured it begins to rain and washes it away. They are having to work in between showers and pour a little section at a time. What happends is this: The stone is mixed with a calcium and is then poured. The rain washes the calcium away, leaving a residue of stone. This stone must then be dug up and mixed with the cement again and repoured. They just haven't been able to get the foundations in. They have gotten the foundation of the main building in but have not been able to do so in the others. The ditches for the foundation two and a half feet deep, were full of water. We are going to have to delay until they get clearer weather. They are keeping the men there ready, just waiting for the weather to break. Mr. Taylor: Where is that - S.Antonino? Mr. Barr: Yes, sir, right near Cassino, to the south. The work on the barracks will be a matter of a few days. They are there but they can't be trown up until the foundations are laid. We can go shead and pour the concrete but as scon as you build the barracks it will begin to crumble on account of the soft cement. We were discussing yesterday the possibility of beginning to haul material for the other two sites, digging the trenches and letting them pour cement when they can; but using the labor and engineer to work on the other two places. Ing. Galeazzi: One is S.Vittorio, also Giorgio. Barr: I am going to discuss with the engineer the plan of - 4 - beginning on the other locations. Ing. Galeazzi: Is there a contractor over there? Mr. Barr: Yes. He is slowly going insane too. He has to be there so many days. Everything is moved down but it's no fault of the workmen the work can't proceed. Galeazzi: Is it snow covered or just raining? Mr. Barr: There is snow on the hills abové and the water is draining down, flooding the area. For 17 days they have never had more than two hours at a stretch they could work. Mr.Taylor: Why not move the other two down immediately - since we can't control the weather? Mr. Barr: They are 3 ing to start this week, despite the weather. Mr. Taylor: While we are on the subject of these barracks - week before last I took Brig. Parkinson and Gen. Brown to two of the refugee camps in Rome. We had all gone cut before, as you will recall, and everyone was shocked at the conditions under which those poor people exist in those places. We were discussing last week, in connection with the milk distribution in Rome and Naples, the question of giving milk in those two refugee camps (the number of children is unknown to us) and also giving coffee to the adults in the morning so they will have something hot to start the day. That idea seemed to be popular with our group, as you know. We then thought that perhaps instead of using the old unsanitary, cold buildings-- they have no windows, are not clean, and most unattactive--we might use the four sections of the barracks that we intended originally for the two extra hospitals but which are left over because we have used more of the barracks in the erection of the three hospitals than we originally intended. With those four left over barracks, two at each of these refugee camps, we would provide two sections in each for the kitchens and distributing center for milk and coffee for those people--then have them clean, orderly and well managed. It would be the only bright spot among those terrible surroundings. We think that this is a practical idea and desirable; it is one we have to discuss and decide. The kitchens that were used in those places are not attractive, The buildings are not large enough, in my opinion. Do those two camps come under the jurisdiction of the Italian Government? Brig. Parkinson: Yes sir. I understand that the refugees who are there were br ught down from the Front and continue to be brought down. Some of them there, however, came from Cassino and from the south, some time ago, months or more ago. The prospects of their being abandoned entirely do not seem to be very good. There is quite a refugee colony in Rome; there are two or three others out- side Rome. Mr. Taylor: The question is whether the National Committee will assert an interest in these camps, starting with these two in Rome, and use come of the materials, milk, vitamins, and coffee, in those places. What do you think? Ing. Galeazzi: I agree the kitchens do not appear to be at all clean, but they could be improved. I think we should use the existing buildings - there is 8 hospital. It would be more useful to clean it up and put it in good shape-try to get windows in the kitchen, etc. . 5 - Brig. Parkinson: What I find fault with is this - we want someone at the head of it, to manage the place. The distribution of food is not well organized. They have them all standing out in the rain waiting in lines. It is a bad situation. Mr.Taylor: Whose authority does it o me under? Prof.Canaperia: Zaniboni. Mr.Taylor: Can he be persuaded to show a proper interest in it? ng.Galeazzi: He shows a great deal of interest himself, personally. He gives all his time, is most serious in his efforts. I don't know about his work. I have met him in a few meetings. I got that impression. He shows a great desire for and enthusiasm in his work. .Taylor: We have many questions that we might discuss. There is this important one which we must talk about. Brig. Purkinson told us, I believe, last week that there was a large shipment of medical supplies. Brig. Parkinson: Twenty tons have been distributed in Rome recently. mr.Taylor: Did these go through the hands of Professor Canaperia? Parkinson: Through the Italian Government. The hospitals get first priority. Mr.Taylor: Dr. you think it is true there is a big profit made in the distribution as the medical supplies leave the Government's hands into the hands of the wholesale distributors and before they reach the druggists? Brig. Parkinson: There is a 16% charge for the wholesalers, to cover breakage, overhead, transportation. That is all they get out of it and the retailer then adds his percentage. Mr.Taylor:In the earlier days of July I visited a hospital, the Jesu, I believe. I hope we have given them some of the vitamins. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes, we have. Mr.Taylor: I talked there with the Doctors and the Director, who were a very intelligent and fine lt of men, about penicillin. They knew very little about it. I asked them if they would care to hear more and they said yes. I invited a group of them, to meet an expert medical officer from the 73d Hospital and 3: me time was spent talking about penicillin. In the succeeding months several people. came to see me to suggest that penicillin in Italy be made a monopoly, that a profit be made on it, to be turned over for the use of the Italian Red Cross or some other charitable agency. My reaction was very much against it. I think that any item of that sort which may prove useful to the community should be as near free as possible and no profit should stand in the way. I mention that because you may hear this discussed in other places. You probably understand the matter and agree with this theory. We have 8 very interesting report on the milk distribution prepared by Mgr.Carroll-Abbing, which he might summarize at this time. You all with have a copy of it in your hands in a few days. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: I might sum up. Prof. Canaperia, Dr.Nobili, and myself were appointed to distribute the milk and vitamin tablets to the orphanages and similiar charitable institutions in Rome. f.Canaperia gave us a very good Doctor, Prof.Chiarotti,who took charge of the distribution and has done a magnificent work. Wit Dr.Nobili, these two men carried out the organization of the distribution. A special office was set up and from this office we telephoned to all charitable institutions in Rome, warning them that a distribution was going to take place and asking them to pre- pare lists of all their children under ten years of age. A notice was published in Italian papers twice, telling the institutions they would have to come to this office between certain dates, the 15th and 20th of January. When the time came they swarmed down on us with enthusiasm to get something, at least for the children. They filled in, under the direction of Canaperia a question sheet which dealt with the whole situation of the orphanages or institution. the condition in which it was at present mongtwith regard to sup- plies, number of beds available, number of children actually present, the situation with regard to beds, sheets, clothing and food; the milk ration, We obtained the names of the Doctors and medical assistants, information as to whether they were short of medicines, to get a full idea of the situation. This was not done with a view to the actual distribution of milk but to help in the future distribu tion of clothing, medicines, or anything else we might have to distribute; to do the work just once, at the same time deciding as soon as this distribution was completed our Doctors would pay a personal visit to all institutions and get a first-hand idea of what the situation was like and in an effort also to control the figures and facts given by the people in charge of the institutions; further, to give them instruction with regard to the preparation of the powdered milk, and also control the children actually getting milk. The institutions are divided into two groups: orphanages and similiar institutions, and hospitals. To the institutions we gave the pow- dered milk and the vitamins which can be given to any person, not a Doctor and not under medical control. To the hospitals we gave specialized items: protein milk, dextromaltose, the vitamins C, AD end B, and the other elements we had to distribute. We calculated a ration of 40 grams of powdered milk a day, corresponding to 25 cubic centimeters, one-quarter liter, adding 200 calories to the child's calorie ration, worked a good supplement to the actual rations they were getting. We worked out a table giving the number of units of vitamins necessary to get a stabilized diet in order to allot the right number of vitamin tablets to each institutions. That plan was carried out by our Doctors. We still have institutions from the outskirts coming in. So far we have given rations to 5924 children in 109 orphanages, also to 15 children's hospitals and maternity homes and to two milk dispensaries --Santa Marta and the Red Cross. Altogether, up to the present 8447 children have received milk and vitamins for a period varying between 50 and 60 days. We had in some cases a small number of children we couldn't 60 days, we would have to split the cases. The amount varies slightly. If more is needed and if one has its statement showing what has been received and for what period, we have further milk to distribute and they may receive further ration from the expired date of their ticket. "r. Barr:I would like to say here that in the control of milk distribution in the past the American Red Cross has found that in issuing a future amount to them if you would haye them return the empty containers from the previous distribution you find it helps control wholesale loss in any of the institutions. In other words, if one of the five lb. tins is not returned you won't replace it. If they understand that at the beginning it helps. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: We have already had that idea. Mr.Taylor: You are also making a similiar survey in Naples? Is that distribution about to begin? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes, on Friday of this week, at 9:00 a.m. - 7 Mr. Taylor: What is the estimated number of children that will be benefitted there? Agr. Carroll-Abbing: 5,000 was the estimate. Mr. Taylor: Did we have a report that the first ship of the second group is on the way now? Mr. Barr: Five ships are all on the way. Mr. Taylor: We ought to have this supply within 30 days. Mr. Barr: 2,390 tohs. Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: The impression we hed whs that the dinstitu- tions were in a very bad way from food and vitamin point of view. Some appear to give the children a fairly good meal at midday, but obviously deficient in vitamin elements or milk. Mr. Taylor: This deals with the children up to ten years of age. What about the children above ten? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: We haven't enough milk to go around. Mr. Taylor: Doesn't that create a feeling of unhappiness in the institution? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: I don't think sop very often we have had to ration out food only to the smaller ones. Mr. Taylor: Has the Naples supply been sent to Naples? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: That is to be there on the 31st, Wednesday, when they are to begin the distribution of tickets - the actual consignment from Monday. On Friday and Saturday we are going to control the figures and give out the tickets and then on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday we are going to try to visit some of the institutions personally. Mr. Taylor: We estimated when the new supply in the shipments arrives we would have enough milk, based upon two glasses of milk per day per child, to serve 40,000 children for six months. Now with that in mind is there another group in Rome or in Neples which you would suggest servicing? I think you mentioned the Day Nurs- ery. Would you consider that as next most important? Prof. Canaperia: Yes. And it would be advisable to take another town in the North - say Florence. Mr. Taylor: I would think Florence. I suppose Leghorn and Pisa. I don't think Sienna. Mr. Barre Viterbo has no great need. Arezzo and Leghorn are in need of assistance. Mr. Taylor: Mr. Vicentini and Mr. Silber are in Sicily studying the distribution of clothing. I think we stated several times that after completing distribution in the devastated areas, including Naples and Rome, particularly Rome, that there would be a quantity left over that might be useful in Sicily. What was that amount? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: We have had to estimate the amount to assign to Sicily--500 tons--. - 8 - Prof. Canaperin: 70,000 people, I suppose. Mr. Taylor: After that if there was still an amount left of 500 tons of clothing, just surmising, the thought was to begin this week to study the area of the North up to the AMG line and then determine whether we wanted to distribute or ship this 500 tons, if it exista, in the North and use the materials now coming for- ward in the North. This is based on the question which we asked in the last meeting, whother the distribution thus far made in the devastated areas was adequate to the needs, 80 that you won't have to go back and repeat in those areas. Mr. Barr: You may find need in one specific location. Mr. Taylor: That would be a small amount. Mr. Barr: In the south such locations as Potenza and Cosenza are heavily represented in the United States and have made requests and written hundreds of letters to America about conditions in those provinces. I have read some of these reports when I was home. They were of considerable importance. I would hate to see us leave southern Italy before we had met the need there. They are so strongly represented in the United States. Mr. Taylor: I should think you had better lock into that promptly. Is Foggia in this? Ing. Galeazzi: I spoke about it so often--some allocation has to be made for them. Prof. Canaperia: Not for Potenza, but for Cosenza. Mr. Taylor: You have 500 tons to draw on. Perhaps we should do that before we begin the study of the North. Mr. Barr: It could be simultaneous. You have over 2,000 tons of clothing coming in during February. Mr. Taylor: Will you organize a study of those two subjects, cover- ing a resurvey of the south and of the north up to the AMG line? Mr. Barr: Yes, sir. AS soon as Vincentini gets back. I am wonder- ing, since Brig. Parkinson is here and the AMG line is mentioned, if some arran ements couldn't be made where an emergency exists that nobody else could meet, if in those specific cases they could be brought up and discussed, like the Arezzo situation. They could be discussed jointly with AC, Red Cross and ENDSI to see who could Best do it. Mr. Taylor: You want AMG in on that. I had a talk with General Hume last week. He is coming down in a few days. We could have a meeting end have Gen. Hume present. Mr. Barr: It would be unfortunate to go to a line with milk when you have desperate need a few miles on which perhaps the Fifth Army is unable to supply. We should be flexible. Mr. Taylor: There is e desire to cooperate. General Hume will cooperate. With the AC assistance we could do anything there. This is the general picture of the future--whether these ships should discharge cargo in Leghorn and transport it immediately inland, or wherever the situation might disclose, is something that ought to be discussed. - 9 - Mr. Barr: Yes, immediately. It has to be determined before the next shipment. Mr. Taylor: Another question which is most important. The UNRRA organization have representatives here in Rome. They have not been to see us representing ARI. They have been to see the AC and the Government. They are making suggestions about the field in which they will operate in Italy and conditions under which they will operate here. At the same time, in the United States they have proposed n UNRRA drive for 150 million pounds of clothing They have put an intelligent man who understands advertising thoroughly well at the head of that drive. They have asked ARI to join in that drive. Up to the present we have not done 80. I am opposed to it end have so advised both the State Department and Judge Marchisio in New York, giving my reasons. I am going to send him a telegram today to the effect that the conduct of the ARI must be determined by its Board of Directors, not by an individual, but that my judgment remains unchanged. It is only my personal judgment. I don't mind giving you the reasons. There is a personal relationship between the Italian Americans and Italy which is lost in the United Nations drive, but which is present in ARI. There is uncertainty as to the participation which ARI will have in the results of the UNRRA drive. They indicate that these materials would be largely used in the areas where the need is greatest. We don't know where the need is greatest in the minds of the directors of the UNRRA organization. It might be in various places other than Italy. Someone might decide Italy has reached the point where the crisis is over with relation to need. The plan prevents ARI, or any separate national organization or group, from carrying on a drive for clothing for two months prior to April, during the month of April, or during the month of May. So there are four months in which you can't make a public drive for materials. Mr. Barr: I might interject to say those are the months when people cast off winter clothing, and any drive conducted in the summer brings nothing. Mr. Taylor: I have a feeling of trusteeship, personal responsi- bility to the organization, that I was asked to create in America, which is ARI. I feel that relationship compels me, in view of the best interests of Italy, to take the position which I do and will take and won't change. But the trustees are the better judges. They are on the ground. They will have to determine. In the meantime, during January and February, we will continue our drive, and we are getting, as Mr. Barr indicated to me, an increased contribution since the end of the year when the news of our activities became understood in America, so that we are going to have two million pounds. Mr. Barr: Approximately 2,000 tons. Mr. Taylor: Plus the accumulation of January and February, to meet the spring and summer season, which will carry us quite a long way forward, Mr. Barr: Your drive in April will give clothing for the next winter. It would not be in our hands before August of this year. Mr. Taylor: That doesn't, however, interfore with our milk and vitamin distribution, which can be accumulated without public drive, both during the period of the UNRRA drive and preceding that time. We will probably concentrate more or less upon that. We can operate in that field or in the field of piece goods if we can be permitted to get them. All the money that the National War Fund will allocate to us which isn't needed for other pur- poses and which should be a substantial amount, can be used. - 10 -- Mr. Taylor: (continued) Looking into the future--UNRRA will be here with supplies and plans for rehabilitation. When we were setting up our organization in Washington we tried to leave the word "rehabilitation" out for the reasons that it would be inter- preted by somo to mean you are going to rehabilitate a community, a town, or hospital, whereas the rehabilitation really is inton- ded for rehabilitation of the human being, building him up and giving him renewed confidence and assurance to look after his own needs. They are going into sanitation, a field of interest to the Government and Red Cross, and other fields outside our scope. The thought passes through my mind whether, in order to achieve Γ. relationship with UNRRA in the future, it would not be wise for us to specify just what field we would take exclusive charge of, end the rest of Italy would be for UNRRA. We are not strong enough to take the whole of Italy. ARI, of course, varies from UNRR in that ours is an absolute denation of materials and supplies and theirs, from the outset, has been predicated upon the thought that the Government of Italy would participate in the cost of the supplies that are to be distributed, either in the distribution or the materials themselves. At one time UNRRA considered selling their materials to Governments or to groups within a country who were ablé to purchase. I don't know whether that plan was abandened altogether or not. We have started out distributing milk and vitamins to children in a number of local- ities, and it seems to me that if UNRRA comes here with the same commodities to distribute on a different basis it would be a competing operation. Mr. Barr has brought back some figures about which you might be interested. (Reading): "The British Welfare Relief Society, New York, operated on the basis, that is, the percentage of the administrative expensives to the contributions in kind, at 6.5 percent; Greek War Relief 4.5 percent; Russian War Relief 4.6 percent; American Relief for Italy four tenths of one percent. That shows the efficiency and economy at the starting point. I think we have accomplished the same results here in one way or another. We have done many things all on voluntary basis, without payment. Mr. Barr: I should like to read this clipping from the Stars and Stripes of today: "Cleveland, January 28--Within two months the first privately-financed American medical unit, organized to aid war-stricken Italians, will be ready, Dr. Elmer L. Sebringhous of the University of Wisconsin, told the mid-winter sembly of the Congregational Christian Mission Council here yesterday. He said the Congre- ggational, Christian and Unitarian churches had allo- cated 1.00.000 dollars for the unit end added that there will be additional funds. The unit will work with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and will include eight physicians, two dentists, two laboratory technicians, one diet- ician, and two executive officers." Mr. Taylor: Now, about the clothing for the ten thousand workers. Has that been settled? These are the people coming back from prison camps. I believe Mr. Vindentini was requested to sub- mit further information. Mgr. Carrell-Abbing:, From the obtainable information there seems to be no possibility of receiving supplies from any other source. Mr. Barr: These people are non-military and the only resource is the National Committee. Mr. Taylor: How many more are coming? -11- Ing.Galeazzi: 30,000 people are expected. Lapponi: Yes, and when they come from Germany there will be a million perhaps. Mr.Taylor: Isn't that a job of INRRA? Mgr.Carrol1-Abbing: The situation is painful in Brindisi. Mr.Taylor: Have we material and clothing? How much does it require? Mgr.Carrol1-Abbing: 50,000 pieces. Mr.Taylor: How many tons? Mr.Barr: 35 tons, roughly. Mr.Taylor: Do you still believe we will have 5000 tons left after Sicily? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes. Galeazzi: This should be done by the NationalCommittee because it is a serious situation. Ir.Taylor: I am just thinking about these returning refugees coming in great number. How are we going to meet the need next time? Galeazzi: Surely this is a small percentage of the population since ARI is helping Italy. If they were found in town they would have received clothing. Mr.Taylor: You are going ahead with that? Parkinson: Yes. Mr.Taylor: I think we ought to get together to try and clear our situation with UNRRA and also formulate ideas on our own part, whethe we want to pursue the idea of taking over a specified group in a definite area, hoping that we can arrange that UNRRA will not compete with it, and let that be the relationship of ARI toward Italy in the future. Brig. Parkinson: I must say my foeling is if you adopted this national scheme it would be very unfortunate to restrict our work to one area. I think it should be the whole country. It is a national movement and should embrace all Italy rather than concentrate on a certain area. The psychological effect of the national organization you know is excellent, Mr. Taylor: That is the question--whether we want to confine our efforts to an area or do nothing about it just now. Please don't misinterpret what I have said to mean that the National Committee must confine itself to specific institutions in specific areas. I agree with you that the National Committee must cover the entire country and if UNRRA will cooperate, remain as the sole distributing agency. If, however, UNRRA is going to cover the field of supplies that ARI is presently furnishing, I believe that we must have a decision as to what ARI must supply through the National Committee and what geographical areas and institutions will receive these supplies. I am not referring to the scope of the National Committee or indicating that its influence should be diminished. I am referring to the fact that ARI must establish a relationship to determine what it will supply and to whom, understanding that it will be distributed through the National 24 " Committee. My sincere hope is, of course, that UNRRA will avail itself of the mechanism of ENDSI. Before leaving, I want to take a copy of the minutes of the meeting of January 15, 1945, No.10. The minutes of meeting No.11 of last Munday will be ready in a few days. ******** Jenuery 29, 1945 Meeting No. 12 Following are minutes of e meeting of the Advisory Group concerning relief held Jenuary 29, 1945 in the office of Ambessador Myron C. Teylor, Chairman of American Relief for Itely, Inc. The following were in attendence: Brig.G.S. Parkinson, D.S.O., Director of Public Heelth Subcommission; Mgr. John P. Carroll-Abbing, Director of Senitery Services of Pontifical Commission for A11 to Refugees; Ing. Enrico P. Geleazzi, Architect of the Sacred Apostolic Pelaces end Special Delegate to the Pontifical Commission of the State of the Vaticen City; Dr.L. Leggoni of the Italian Red Cross; Prof. John A. Ceneperia M.D., Inspector General of Public Health Department of Ministry of Interior; and Mr. Howerd .Berr, Assistent to Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor: I am very glad to have Mr. Berr back. During his ebsence Mr. Silber has been taking his plece. Mr. Silber is now in Sicily with Ing. Vicentini, He will be back in e day or two. Mr. Silber has been ordered to Greece for the American Red Cross so that he will be leaving us some time later in the week. He has done excellent service end we are very grateful to him for his assistance. He is very competent end energic and has been successful in all his undertekings. Brig. Parkinson has been on a journey in some of the devestated arees and also hes interested himself in converting materials which he has been able to recever from the Army weste stocks into useful germents. He will explain about that work. Will you give us some information on your visit? Perkinson: Putting it very briefly I think I can deal with it in this way: that in the period of five months the change in the population is, as I consider it, for the better. There is a great deal of reconstruction taking place, people are working, they seem to be better satisfied, there is not that feeling of depression thet thore was some time ago. They are really start- ing to help themselves. The appearance in one institution I visi ted must be a hundred percent better. The girls, all ages, looked fit and well, better nourished and cared for. Mr.Taylor: Where was that? Parkinson: In Neples. I might say that it seemed they were doing more to help themselves--I noticed that throughout my visit. I don't want to suggest that everything is a hundred percent good. I would say there is 8 very vast change. I passed through some of the coastal ares, 88 well as Cessino end Frosinone. I would also report of seeing children wearing the clothing which had been distributed et Christmas time by ENDSI. I saw Cassino the day the Germans left. There is e difference now in the people. Their appeerance is ouite changed. I visited soup kitchens and sew them prepering the midday moal. I spoke to some about it. They all seemed very content with what they were getting. Mr. Taylor: You said that the welfare branch of AC would issue edditional food in some cases? Brig. Parkinson: Yes. Apart from the ordinary basic ration which is supplies, when information is received thet eny perticular area is in dire want arrangements are made to give e supplementary ration. Mr. Teylor: By whom? - 2 - Brig. Parkinson: By the Food Subcommission. I was discussing that with them yesterday. Mr. Taylor: Has the food subcommission been active in that respect in Arezzo and Florence? Brig. Parkinson: Yes, everywhere I think that has been fairly well taken care of, in proportion to the amounts available. I have found that the Food Subcom ission always responds to the best of its ability. Mr. Taylor: You were telling me about the conversion of salvaged material which you were able to get from the Army. Parkinson: I have some, samples with me; this is some of the work. There has been a lot of discussion about trying to make over the salvaged material from the discarded garments of the armies. The Military Mission in Italy has first choise as to the use of these salvaged garments. Anything that can be used to uniform the Italian troops, that can be successfully dyed and re- paired, is used for this purpose. Some of the welfare officers of the Public Health Subcommission of AC thought that use could be made of the remainder of the salvaged material. The Public Health Officer in Naples organized a workroom employing 50 women with sewing machines. It is set up on a production basis and the bales of salvaged material are cleaned and disinfected and taken through the factory step by step. The material is cut up, buttons removed, and then this pases on into the next room where useable pieces are cut and sewn together to make blankets. The factory is growing rapidly and now covers six rooms. They have produced about 10,000 articles, including 7,000 blankets, all from salvaged Army material. In the northern area the blankets are extremely valuable. May I show you some examples of clothing prepared in these workrooms? (At this point he showed some extremely valuable children's garments manufactured from salvaged material, including cloth shoes for infants.) May I remind you that these are all made from the second pickingsof the salvage, after the material from MMIA has been withdrawn? Galeazzi: Where is that done? Brig. Parkinson: In Naples. Mr. Taylor: These are made from the second picking of the waste ma- terial from the Army? Brig. Parkinson: Yes. This Welfare Officer at the North told the one in Naples about it and he has been the first in the field. The waste material from the factories has been handed over to an orphanage so that there is a third subproduct and may I show you these garments made by the nuns? May I call special attention to the shoes made by the Sisters? mr. Taylor: So now there is nothing left--they have used everything. And what quantity of the production does this represent? Brig, Parkinson: This particular work is in its infancy and can be developed. But the largest production is from the second group where 50 women are working over the material and scraps from the second pickings; so long as we can get the material and keep it up. Mr. .Taylor: Couldn't you get institutions to work on this? - 3 - Brig. Parkinson: That could be done. Ing. Galeazzi: Yes, why couldn't that be started? Do they have the same waste material here? Parkinson: Naples is the big dump. Mr.Taylor: From the north? Brig. Parkinson: Yes, I don't think there are dumps here in Rome. Mr. Barr: They are collected in the North, processed there in quartermaster cleaning establishments. Between Naples and Caserta there is a big factory that repairs army material. Brig. Parkinson: This, of course, can go on indefinitely because we are making the things out of salvaged material. It is a good line that is being started. Mr. Barr: The garments are very useful and the design completely satisfactory. Ing. Galeazzi: The material is wonderful. Brig, Parkinson: You couldn't get this material anywhere els e now, Mr. Taylor: We have talked a good deal about using waste material. This is now the first time we have seen a demonstration. Now we know; you have the ice broken. In following up this operation if there is any help the National Committee can give I am sure they would be willing in that respect. Mr. Barr, you went to Cassino to see the progress of the hospitals. How did you find the situation there? Mr. Barr: We are finding Italian weather completely non-cooperative. It has rained for 18 days at Cassino. They keep trying to work on the foundation of the first hospital and as soon as they get the concrete poured it begins to rain and washes it away. They are having to work in between showers and pour a little section at a time. What happends is this: The stone is mixed with a calcium and is then poured. The rain washes the calcium away, leaving a residue of stone. This stone must then be dug up and mixed with the cement again and repoured. They just haven't been able to get the foundations in. They have gotten the foundation of the main building in but have not been able to do so in the others. The ditches for the foundation two and a half feet deep, were full of water. We are going to have to delay until they get clearer weather. They are keeping the men there ready, just waiting for the weather to break. Mr. Taylor: Where is that - S.Antonino? Mr. Barr: Yes, sir, right near Cassino, to the south. The work on the barracks will be a matter of a few days. They are there but they can't be trown up until the foundations are laid., We can go ahead and pour the concrete but as soon as you build the barracks it will begin to crumble on account of the soft cement. We were discussing yesterday the possibility of beginning to haul material for the other two sites, digging the trenches and letting them pour cement when they can; but using the labor and engineer to work on the other two places. Ing. Galeazzi: One is S.Vittorio, also St.Giorgio. Mr. Barr: I am going to discuss with the engineer the plan of - 4 - beginning nn the other locations. Ing. Galeazzi: Is there a contractor over there? Mr.Barr: Yes. He is slowly going insane too. He has to be there so many days. Everything is moved down but it's no fault of the workmen the work can't proceed. Ing.Galeazzi: Is it snow covered or just raining? Mr. Barr: There is snow on the hills above and the water is draining down, flooding the area. For 17 days they have never had more than two hours at a stretch they could work. Mr.Taylor: Why not move the other two down immediately - since we can't control the weather? Mr.Barr: They are going to start this week, despite the weather. Mr.Taylor: While we are on the subject of these barracks - week before last I took Brig. Parkinson and Gen. Brown to two of the refugee camps in R me. We had all gone cut before, as you will recall, and everyone was shocked at the conditions under which those poor people exist in those places. We were discussing last week, in connection with the milk distribution in Rome and Naples, the question of giving milk in those two refugee camps (the number of children is unknown to us) and also giving coffee to the adults in the morning so they will have something hot to start the day. That idea seemed to be popular with our group, as you know. We then thought that perhaps instead of using the old unsanitary, cold buildings-- they have no windows, are not clean, and most unattactive--we might use the four sections of the barracks that we intended originally for the two extra hospitals but which are left over because we have used more of the barracks in the erection of the three hospitals than we originally intended. With those four left over barracks, two at each of these refugee camps, we would provide two sections in each for the kitchens and distributing center for milk and coffee for those people--then have them clean, orderly and well managed. It would be the only bright spot among those terrible surroundings. We think that this is a practical idea and desirable; it is one we have to discuss and decide. The kitchens that were used in those places are not attractive. The buildings are not large enough, in my opinion. Do those two camps come under the jurisdiction of the Italian Government? Brig. Parkinson: Yes sir. I understand that the refugees who are there were brought down from the Front and continue to be brought down. Some of them there, however, came from Cassino and from the south, some time ago, months or more ago. The prospecte of their being abandoned entirely do not seem to be very good. There is quite a refugee colony in Rome; there are two or three others out- side Rome. Mr. Taylor: The question is whether the National Committee will assert an interest in those camps, starting with these two in Rome, and use some of the materials, milk, vitamins, and coffee, in those places. What do you think? Ing. Galeazzi: I agree the kitchens do not appear to be at all clean, but they could be improved. I think we should use the existing buildings - there is a hospital. It would be more useful to clean it up and put it in good shape-try to get windows in the kitchen, etc. - 5 - Parkinson: What I find fault with is this - we want someone at the head Of it, to manage the place. The distribution of food is not well organized. They have them all standing out in the rain waiting in linos, It is a bad situation. Mr.Taylor: Whose authority does it o me under? Prof.Canaperia: Zaniboni. Mr.Taylor: Can he be persuaded to show a proper interest in it? Ing. Galeazzi: He shows a great deal of interest himself, personally. He gives all his time, is most serious in his efforts. I don't know about his work. I have met him in a few meetings. I got that impression. He shows a great desire for and enthusiasm in his work. Mr. Taylor: We have many questions that we might discuss. There is this important one which we must talk about. Brig. Purkinson told us, I believe, last week that there was a large shipment of medical supplies. Parkinson: Twenty tons have been distributed in Rome recently. ar.Taylor: Did these go through the hands of Professor Canaperia? Brig, Parkinson: Through the Italian Government. The hospitals get first priority. Mr. Taylor: De you think it is true there is a big profit made in the distribution as the medical supplies leave the Government's hands into the hands of the wholesale distributors and before they reach the druggists? Brig. Parkinson: There is a 16% charge for the wholesalers, to cover breakage, overhead, transportation. That is all they get out of it and the retailer then adds his percentage. r.Taylor:In the earlier days of July I visited a hospital, the Jesu, I believe. I hope we have given them some of the vitamins. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes, we have. Mr.Taylor: I talked there with the Doctors and the Director, who were a very intelligent and fine lt of men, about penicillin. They knew very little about it. I asked them if they would care to hear more and they said yes. I invited a group of them, to meet an expert medical officer from the 73d Hospital and 3. me time was spent talking about penicillin. In the succeeding months several people came to see me to suggest that penicillin in Italy be made a nopoly, that a profit be made on it, to be turned over for the use of the Italian Red Cross or some other charitable agency. My reaction was very much against it. I think that any item of that sort which may prove useful to the community should be as near free as possible and no profit should stand in the way. I mention that because you may hear this discussed in other places. You probably understand the matter and agree with this theory. We have a very interesting report on the milk distribution prepared by Mgr.Carroll-Mbbing, which he might summarize at this time. You all with have a copy of it in your hands in a few days. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: I might sum up. Prof.Cenaperia, Dr.Nobili, and myself were appointed to distribute the milk and vitamin tablets to the orphanages and similiar charitable institutions in Rome. Prof.Canaperia gave us a very good Doctor, Prof. Chiarotti, who 5 - took charge of the distribution and has done a magnificent work. Wit r.Nobili, these two men carried out the organization of the distribution. A special office was set up and from this office we telephoned to all charitable institutions in Rome, warning then: that a distribution was going to take place and asking them to pre- pare lists of all their children under ten years of age. A notice was published in Italian papers twice, telling the institutions they would have to come to this office between certain dates, the 15th and 20th of January, When the time came they swarmed down on us with enthusiasm to get something, at least for the children. They filled in, under the direction of Canaperia a question sheet which dealt with the whole situation of the orphanages or institution the condition in which it was at present momentwith regard to sup- plies, number of beds available, number of children actually present, the situation with regard to beds, sheets, clothing and food; the milk ration, etc. We obtained the names of the Doctors and medical assistants, information as to whether they were short of medicines, to get a full idea of the situation. This was not done with a view to the actual distribution of milk but to help in the future distribu tion of clothing, medicines, or anything else we might have to distribute; to do the work just once, at the same time deciding as soon as this distribution was completed our Doctors would pay a personal visit to all institutions and get a first-hend idea of what the situation was like and in an effort also to control the figures and facts given by the people in charge of the institutions; further, to give them instruction with regard to the preparation of the powdered milk, and also control the children actually getting milk. The institutions are divided into two groups: orphanages and similiar institutions, and hospitals. To the institutions we gave the pow- dered milk and the vitamins which can be given to any person, not a Doctor and not under medical control. To the hospitals we gave specialized items: protein milk, dextromaltose, the vitamins C, AD and B, and the other elements we had to distribute. We calculated a ration of 40 grams of powdered milk a day, corresponding to 25 cubic centimeters, one-quarter liter, adding 200 calories to the child's calorie ration, worked a good supplement to the actual rations they were getting. We worked out a table giving the number of units of vitamins necessary to get a stabilized diet in order to allot the right number of vitamin tablets to each institutions. That plan was carried out by our Doctors. We still have institutions from the outskirts coming in. So far we have given rations to 5924 children in 109 orphanages, also to 15 children's hospitals and maternity homes and to two milk dispensaries --Santa Marta and the Red Cross. Altogether, up to the present 8447 children have received milk and vitamins for a period varying between 50 and 60 days. We had in some cases a small number of children we couldn't g+ 60 days, we would have to split the cases. The amount varies slightly. If more is needed and if one has its statement showing what has been received and for what period,we have further milk to distribute and they may receive further ration from the expired date of their ticket. "r. Barr:I would like to say here that in the control of milk distribution in the past the American Red Cross has found that in issuing a future amount to them if you would have them return the empty containers from the previous distribution you find it helps control wholesale loss in any of the institutions. In other words, if one of the five lb. tins is not returned you won't replace it. If they understand that at the beginning it helps. Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: We have already had that idea. Mr.Taylor: You are also making a similiar survey in Naples? Is that distribution about to begin? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes, on Friday of this week, at 9:00 a.m. 7 Mr. Taylor: What is the estimated number of children that will be benefitted there? Agr. Carroll-Abbing: 5,000 was the estimate. Mr. Taylor: Did we have a report that the first ship of the second group is on the way now? Mr. Barr: Five ships are all on the way. Mr. Taylor: We ought to have this supply within 30 days. Mr. Barr: 2,390 tohs. Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: The impression we had was that the institu- tions were in a very bad way from food and vitamin point of view. Some appear to give the children a fairly good meal at midday, but obviously deficient in vitamin elements or milk. Mr. Taylor: This deals with the children up to ten years of age. What about the children above ten? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: We haven't enough milk to go around. Mr. Taylor: Doesn't that create a feeling of unhappiness in the institution? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: I don't think sop very often we have had to ration out food only to the smaller ones. Mr. Taylor: Has the Naples supply been sent to Naples? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: That is to be there on the 31st, Wednesday, when they are to begin the distribution of tickets - the actual consignment from Monday. On Friday and Saturday we are going to control the figures and give out the tickets and then on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday we are going to try to visit some of the institutions personally. Mr. Taylor: We estimated when the new supply in the shipments arrives we would have enough milk, based upon two glasses of milk per day per child, to serve 40,000 children for six months. Now with that in mind is there another group in Rome or in Naples which you would suggest servicing? I think you mentioned the Day Nurs- ery. Would you consider that as next most important? Prof. Canaperia: Yes. And it would be advisable to take another town in the North - say Florence. Mr. Taylor: I would think Florence. I suppose Leghorn and Pisa. I don't think Sienna. Mr. Barre Viterbo has no great need. Arezzo and Leghorn are in need of assistance. Mr. Taylor: Mr. Vicentini and Mr. Silber are in Sicily studying the distribution of clothing. I think we stated several times that after completing distribution in the devastated areas, including Naples and Rome, particularly Rome, that there would be a quantity left over that might be useful in Sicily. What was that amount? Mgr. Carroll-Abbing: We have had to estimate the amount to assign to Sicily--500 tons--. - 8 - of. Canaperia: 70,000 people, I suppose. Mr. Taylor: After that if there was still an amount left of 500 tons of clothing, just surmising, the thought was to begin this week to study the area of the North up to the AMG line and then determine whether we wanted to distribute or ship this 500 tons, if it exista, in the North and use the materials now coming for- ward in the North. This is based on the question which we asked in the last meeting, whether the distribution thus far made in the devastated areas was adequate to the needs, so that you won't have to go back and repeat in those areas. Mr. Barr: You may find need in one specific location. Mr. Taylor: That would be a small amount. Mr. Barr: in the south such locations as Potenza and Cosenza are heavily represented in the United States and have made requests and written hundreds of letters to America about conditions in thrse provinces. I have read some of these reports when I was home. They were of considerable importance. I would hate to see us leave southern Italy before we had met the need there. They are so strongly represented in the United States. Mr. Taylor: I should think you had better lock into that promptly. Is Foggia in this? Ing. Galeazzi: I spoke about it so often--some allocation has to be made for them. Prof. Canaperia: Not for Potenza, but for Cosenza. Mr. Taylor: You have 500 tons to draw on. Perhaps we should do that before we begin the study of the North. Mr. Barr: It could be simultaneous. You have over 2,000 tons of clothing coming in during February. Mr. Taylor: Will you organize a study of those two subjects, cover- ing a resurvey of the south and of the north up to the AMG line? Mr. Barr: Yes, sir, AS soon as Vincentini gets back. I am wonder- ing, since Brig. Parkinson is here and the AMG line is mentioned, if some arran ements couldn't be made where an emergency exists that nobody else could meet, if in those specific cases they could be brought up and discussed, like the Arezzo situation. They could be discussed jointly with AC, Red Cross and ENDSI to see who could dest do it. Mr. Taylor: You want AMG in on that. I had a talk with General Hume last week. He is coming down in a few days. We could have a meeting and have Gen. Hume present. Mr. Barr: It would be unfortunate to go to a line with milk when you have desperate need a few miles on which perhaps the Fifth Army is unable to supply. We should be flexible. Mr. Taylor: There is a desire to cooperate. General Hume will cooperate. With the AC assistance we could do anything there. This is the general picture of the future--whether these ships should discharge cargo in Leghorn and transport it immediately inland, or wherever the situation might disclose, is something that ought to be discussed. - 9 - Mr. Barr: Yes, immediately. It has to be determined before the next shipment. Mr. Taylor: Another question which is most important. The UNRRA organization have representatives here in Rome. They have not been to see us representing ARI. They have been to see the AC and the Government. They are making suggestions about the field in which they will operate in Italy and conditions under which they will operate here. At the same time, in the United States they have proposed e UNRRA drive for 150 million pounds of clothing. They have put an intelligent man who understands advertising thoroughly well at the head of that drive. They have asked ARI to join in that drive. Up to the present we have not done SO. I am opposed to it end have 80 advised both the State Department and Judge Marchisio in New York, giving my reasons. I am going to send him a telegram today to the effect that the conduct of the ARI must be determined by its Board of Directors, not by an individual, but that my judgment remains unchanged. It is only my personal judgment. I don't mind giving you the reasons. There is a personal relationship between the Italion Americans and Italy which is lost in the United Nations drive, but which is present in ARI. There is uncertainty as to the participation which ARI will have in the results of the UNRRA drive. They indicate that these materials would be largely used in the areas where the need is greatest. We don't know where the need is greatest in the minds of the directors of the UNRRA organization. It might be in various places other than Italy. Someone might decide Italy has reached the point where the crisis is over with relation to need. The plan prevents ARI, or any separate national organization or group, from carrying on a drive for clothing for two months prior to April, during the month of April, or during the month of May. So there are four months in which you can't make a public drive for materials. Mr. Barr: I might interject to say those are the months when people cast off winter clothing, and any drive conducted in the summer brings nothing. Mr. Taylor: I have a feeling of trusteeship, personal responsi- bility to the organization, that I was asked to create in America, which is ARI. I feel that relationship compels me, in view of the best interests of Italy, to take the position which I do and will take and won't change. But the trustees are the better judges. They are on the ground. They will have to determine. In the meantime, during January and February, we will continue our drive, and we are getting, as Mr. Barr indicated to me, an increased contribution since the end of the year when the news of our activities became understood in America, so that we are going to have two million pounds. Mr. Barr: Approximately 2,000 tons. Mr. Taylor: Plus the accumulation of January and February, to meet the spring and summer season, which will carry us quite a long way forward. Mr. Barr: Your drive in April will give clothing for the next winter. It would not be in our hands before August of this year. Mr. Taylor: That doesn't, however, interfere with our milk and vitamin distribution, which can be accumulated without public drive, both during the period of the UNRRA drive and preceding that time. We will probably concentrate more or less upon that. We can operate in that field or in the field of piece goods if we can be permitted to get them. All the money that the National War Fund will allocate to us which isn't needed for other pur- poses and which should be a substantial amount, can be used. - 10 -- Mr. Taylor: (continued) Looking into the future--UNRR: will be here with supplies and plans for rehabilitation. When we were setting up our organization in Washington we tried to leave the word "rehebilitation" out for the reasons that it would be inter. preted by somo to nean you are going to rehabilitate a community, a town, or hospital, whereas the rehabilitation really is inton- ded for rehabilitation of the human being, building him up and giving him renewed confidence and assurance to look after his own needs. They are going into sanitation, a field of interest to the Government and Red Cross, and other fields outside our scope. The thought passes through my mind whether, in order to achieve f. relationship with UNRRA in the future, it would not be wise for us to specify just what field we would take exclusive charge of, end the rest of Italy would be for UNRRA. We are not strong enough to take the whole of Italy. ARI, of course, varies from UNRR in that ours is an absolute denation of materials and supplies and theirs, from the outset, has been predicated upon the thought that the Government of Italy would participate in the cost of the supplies that are to be distributed, either in the distribution or the materials themselves. At one time UNRRA considered selling their materials to Governments or to groups within a country who were ablé to purchase. I don't know whether that plan was abandened altogether cr not. We have started out distributing milk and vitamins to children in a number of local- ities, and it seems tc ne that if UNRRA comes here with the same commodities to distribute on a different basis it would be a competing operation. Mr. Barr has brought back some figures about which you might be interested. (Reading): "The British Welfare Relief Society, New York, operated on the basis, that is, the percentage of the administrative expensives to the contributions in kind, at 6.5 percent; Greek War Relief 4.5 percent; Russian War Relief 4.6 percent; American Relief for Italy four tenths of one percent. That shows the officiency and economy at the starting point. I think we have accomplished the same results here in one way or another. We have done many things all on voluntary basis, without payment. Mr. Barr: I should like to read this clipping from the Stars and Stripes of today: "Cleveland, January 28--Within two months the first privately-finenced American medical unit, organized to aid war-stricken Italians, will be ready, Dr. Elmer L. Sebringhaus of the University of Wisconsin, told the mid-winter Assembly of the Congregational Christian Mission Council here yesterday. He said the Congre- gational, Christian and Unitarian churches had allo- cated 1.00,000 dollars for the unit and added that there will be additional funds. The unit will work with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and will include eight physicians, two dentists, two laboratory technicians, one diet- ician, and two executive officers." Mr. Taylor: New, about the clothing for the ten thousand workers. Has that been settled? These are the people coming back from prison camps. I believe Mr. Vindentini was requested to sub- mit further information. Mgr. Carroll-Abbing:, From the obtainable information there seems to be no possibility of receiving supplies from any other source. Mr. Barr: These people are non-military and the only resource is the National Committee. Mr. Taylor: How many more are coming? -11- .Galeazzi: 30,000 people are expected. Dr Lapponi: Yes, and when they come from Germany there will be a million perhaps. Mr.Taylor: Isn't that a job of INRRA? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: The situation is painful in Brindisi. Mr.Taylor: Have we material and clothing? How much does it require? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: 50,000 pieces. Mr.Taylor: How many tons? Mr.Barr: 35 tons, roughly. Mr.Taylor: Do you still believe we will have 5000 tons left after Sicily? Mgr.Carroll-Abbing: Yes. .Galeazzi: This should be done by the NationalCommittee because it is a sèrious situation. Mr.Taylor: I am just thinking about these returning refugees coming in great number. How are we going to meet the need next time? Ing. .Galeazzi: Surely this is a small percentage of the population since ARI is helping Italy. If they were found in town they would have received clothing. Mr.Taylor: You are going ahead with that? Parkinson: Yes. Mr.Taylor: I think we ought to get together to try and clear our situation with UNRRA and also formulate ideas on our own part, whethe we want to pursue the idea of taking over a specified group in a definite area, hoping that we can arrange that UNRRA will not compete with it, and let that be the relationship of ARI toward Italy in the future. Brig. Parkinson: I must say my feeling is if you adopted this national scheme it would be very unfortunate to restrict our work to one area. I think it should be the whole country. It is a national movement and should embrace all Italy rather than concentrate on a certain area. The psychological effect of the national organization you know is excellent, Mr.Taylor: That is the question--whether we want to confine our efforts to an area or do nothing about it just now. Please don't misinterpret what I have said to mean that the National Committee must confine itself to specific institutions in specific areas. I agree with you that the National Committee must cover the entire country and if UNRRA will cooperate, remain as the sole distributing agency. If, however, UNRRA is going to cover the field of supplies that ARI is presently furnishing, I believe that we must have a decision as to what ARI must supply through the National Committee and what geographical areas and institutions will receive these supplies. I am not referring to the scope of the National Committee or indicating that its influence should be diminished. I am referring to the fact that ARI must establish a relationship to determine what it will supply and to whom, understanding that it will be distributed through the National 1/2 Committee. My sincere hope is, of course, that UNRRA will avail itself of the mechanism of ENDSI. Before leaving, I want to take a copy of the minutes of the meeting of January 15, 1945, No.10. The minutes of meeting No. 11 of last Munday will be ready in a few days. ******** Jenuery 13, 1945 TO : Mr.Taylor SUBJECT: Report of Trip to Nep les, January 9-11 Inclusive. FROM : Mr.Silber, American Red Cross The undersigned, accompended by Signer Zeccarian, visited Naples for e two-fold purpose--(1) to institute and carry out the program of movement of supplies from the Naples werehouses and (2) t commence the initial stages for a distribution of relief supplies in Neples City. Heretofore requests have been made and approval given for sufficient reilroad freight cers to nove to various places from Nenles approximately 560 tons of supplies. On Jenuary 9, efter numerous conferences in Neples, I wish to report the results PS follows: We obtained from the Trensportatio Subcommission of Allied Commission 60 Itelian boxcars with arrengements to met them in the following menner et the ventral station of Naples: January 10, 1945 - 8 cars to Littorie Jenuary 11, " - 9 cars to Formie (Littorie Province) Jenuary 12, " -20 cers to Cecceno (Frosinone Province) Jenuary 13, " - 6 cars to Terracine (Littorie Province) Jenuary 14, = -17 cars to Rome. Motor trucks were obtained from verious sources in Neples, including A.C. end P.B.S., to cerry all merchandise from ENDSI werehouse in Naples to reilroad siding in Neples. On Jenuery 10th end January 11th c°rs were delivered by the railroed suthorities, loaded end dispatched to their destination. Arrangements were made before leaving Naples with reilroad and militery authorities for notor transport in Naples of sufficient amounts to complete this movement. The 60 cars above mentionedm it is estimated, will be sufficient to carry 560 tons, being the total rolling stock requeste with ellocation to Littoria and Frosinone end with e balance to Rone ENDSI warehouses. Arrengements were elso mede to hondle all trains deperting from Naples end for sufficient guard to accompany them. Both provincial UndSENDSI officials at the destinations are to have notice of the departures and estmated time of arrivel. In Littoria Province werehouses of ENDSI are reasonably close to the railhead. The situation, however, is somewhat different in Frosinone. ENDSI in that province hes three werehouses, one each at Roccesecca, Arce and Alstri. It wes deemed inexpedient, however, to unload the cars et Roccesecce railhead (being the railheed closesi to the warehouse), tue to the fect that it is 8 most important militery reilheed. Furthermore, due tc the inadequency of rail unloading space, the cars containing the merchandise would be likely to remein loaded for several deys without proper or adequate guard, end this would likely result in great pilferage. hs e result, the undersigned went to Fiuggi, the present provincial capital of Frosinone, on January 11 to confer with provincial militery authorities. An agreement wes reached to have the cers sent to Ceprano, a reilheed closer to Roccesecce than Cecceno. Motor transport will be made available at Ceprano to heul this materiel quickly end safely to ENDSI werehouses within the province. It now appears likely that, es of January 14, all clothing for the provinces of Littoris end Frosinone will have been received within the provinces end that by Jenuery 15 additional stores will have been received in Rome, thus carrying out the intended policies E as expressed by the Advisory Council of ARI to repidity--yet in - 2 - on orderly feshion empty the warehouses in Neples. It is my opinion that the present schedule now being maintained end the progress being reported is setisfactory and that the provincial committee end the communel committees in the devestated areas will have completed their tasks during Jenuary. Naples City: Cerrying out the approved plan of the Advisory Council for a distribution of relief supplies in Naples City, we met with the provincial committee in Naples on Jenuery 10 and discussed in deteil (1) the proper organization of committees within the Naples City to carry out e substantial clothing distribution and (2) the necessity for speed in distributing the supplies. It WAS agreed that on January 16 we would be advised in e return visit to Neoles the number of persons in need, the classification used in determining such number, the method of distribution, end the ennouncement that all the organization for such distribution hed been completed. In the discussion to determine the clessification of people who would be eided, it was finelly agreed to use the following method of priority: 1. Impiegati - People earning less than 3,000 lire a month. 2. Pensionati - The aged who are living on a pension wholly inadequate to sustain themselves. 3. Sinistrati - The bombed@out, yet permenent, residents in Neples. 4. Poveri - The destitute. 5. Profughi - The people who have now become more or less permenent refugees having been in Neples Province in many cases for 8 long period of time, to-wit, twelve months. The five groups above, it is believed, may reach 100,000 end the City of Neples is to give us the information 08 to how many it is estimated there ere in each classification, When the figure is eveilable, it is quite likely that if the clothing is unavailable for the number requested, the groups will be taken off the list on a priority besis, so that the refugees, by wey of illustration, will be the last group to be considered. In order that the allocation end distribution be kept eminently fair end free of discrimination, any veriation in the persons to be assisted will be done by group, and either all or none of a certein group classification will be essisted. Present in ications are that there are sufficient clothing stores in Neples unallocated, which cen be eermerked for Naples City to serve between 60,000 end 100,000 persons. Definite assurances were given that the distribution would be entirely completed by Jenuery 31. (Sgn) Joseph S. Silber American Red Cross HEADQUARTERS ALLIED COMMISSION APO 394 Public Health Sub-Commission 14 Junuary 1945 AC/305/PH SUBJECT: - Report on the needs of the people of Sicily for clothing TO : - Director, Public Health Sub-commission. 1. The Chief Welfare Branch was charged with obtaining, as quickly as possible, reliable information relative to the needs of refugees and of citizens generally in Sicily. 2. The following persons were interviewed: (A) Mr. Joseph Silber, A.R.C., who is in charge of the refugees sent into Sicily; (B) Miss Mary C. Dupee, A.R.C., who was in charge of relief work in six of the nine provinces of Sicily and who kindly wrote a very interesting and detailed report which is an appendix hereto; (c) Mrs. Cora Battiati of the Italian Red Cross now working as an American Red Cross associate for E.N.D.S.I.. Sue is a Sicilian - her family lives there now; (D) Mr. Peter Bunford of the British Friends Ambulance Service. 3. The following reports and sources of information were studied: (A) The reports of R.P.H.O., Sicilia Region (B) The reports of other A.C. Orficials serving in Sicily. (c) Prof. Lauro Chiazzase, Regional Officer Welfare Commissioner Sicily. (D) Special communication from R.P.H.O., Sicilia Region. (E) Statistics on climate condition in Sicily. (F )Newspaper and periodicals to learn reaction of the Press. 4. The deductions from these reports and sources of information are as follows: (A) Of the approximately 4,200,000 people of Sicily, between 10 to 15 percent or 450,000 persons will need some clothing predicating these estimates on comparisons with the needs in recentl devastated areas, keeping in mind however that she has had a year in which to recover from a lesser devastation that we find in Italy. A misconception arose about Sicily being much warmer than Italy; the mean average temperature between Sicily and the central part of Itely: for example 10 to latitude north and one degree south of Rome is about 50. However the greater proportion of Sicily's population is in warmer section. - 2 - (B) There are about 6,000 refugees in Sicily now from mainland of Italy, all needing a great deal of clothing. 5. Recommendation, (A) That committees be organized and asked to cooperate with any existing reliable welfare group to prepare immediately for this distribution of clothing. (B) That this distribution be made by the earlist possible so that the Sicilians, politically, will not feel that they have been neglected and taken care of as an after thought. (c) That at least 100 tons be sent immediately and another 100 tons as soon as possible. (Sgn) John McSweeney, Mujor, Spec.Res, Chief, Welfare Branch. Copy to: Mr. Taylor. HEADQUARTERS ALLIED COMMISSION AFC 394 Public Health Sub-Commission 14 January 1945 AC/305/PH SUBJECT: - Report on the needs of the people of Sicily for clothing TO : - Director, Public Health Sub-commission. 1. The Chief Welfare Branch was charged with obtaining, as quickly as possible, reliable information relative to the needs of refugees and of citizens generally in Sicily. 2. The following persons were interviewed: (A) Mr. Joseph Silber, A.R.C., who is in charge of the refugees sent into Sicily; (B) Miss Mary C. Dupee, A.R.C., who was in charge of relief work in six of the nine provinces of Sicily and who kindly wrote a very interesting and detailed report which is an appendix hereto; (c) Mrs. Cora Battiati of the Italian Red Cross now working as an American Red Cross associate for E.N.D.S.I.. Sue is a Sicilian - her family lives there now; (D) Mr. Peter Bunford of the British Friends Ambulance Service, 3. The following reports and sources of information were studied: (A) The reports of R.P.H.O., Sicilia Region (B) The reports of other A.C. Orficials serving in Sicily. (c) Prof. Lauro Chiazzase, Regional Officer Welfare Commissioner Sicily. (D) Special communication from R.P.H.O., Sicilia Region. (E) Statistics on climate condition in Sicily. (F Newspaper and periodicals to learn reaction of the Press. 4. The deductions from these reports and sources of information are as follows: (A) Of the approximately 4,200,000 people of Sicily, between 10 to 15 percent or 450,000 persons will need some clothing predicating these estimates on comparisons with the needs in recentl devastated areas, keeping in mind however that she has had a year in which to recover from a lesser devastation that we find in Italy. A misconception arose about Sicily being much warmer than Italy; the mean average temperature between Sicily and the central part of Italy: for example 10 to latitude north and one degree south of Rome is about 50. However the greater proportion of Sicily's population is in warmer section. -- 2 - (B) There are about 6,000 refugees in Sicily now from mainland of Italy, all needing a great deal of clothing. 5. Recommendation. (A) That committees be organized and asked to cooperate with any existing reliable welfare group to prepare immediately for this distribution of clothing. (B) That this distribution be made by the earlist possible so that the Sicilians, politically, will not feel that they have been neglected and taken care of as an after thought. (c) That at least 100 tons be sent immediately and another 100 tons as soon as possible. (Sgn) John McS...eney, Mujor, Spec.Res, Chief, Welfare Branch. Copy to: Mr. Taylor. January 20, 1945 TO : Mr.Teylor SUBJECT: Progress Report for the Week Commencing January 22, 1945 FROM : Mr: Silber, American Red Cross Distribution in Littoria end Frosinone Provinces: All goods destined for these two provinces have elready been delivered in provincial warehouses and are now in the process of distribution to the communes. It is likely that distribution to the public hes already proceeded end should be completed in the provinces of LittorM in eccordence with time schedule heretofore determined, to-wit: January 31. In the provinces of Frosinone the time for ultimate distribution will probably continue into February. Naples Province: Finel determination has already been made on the clothing allocation for Naples Province and Naples City, end commencing January 22 the merchandise will be delivered to the provincial committee in a werchouse already agreed upon. The provincial committee is prepared to proceed with the immediate distribution et once. Sicily: Ing. Vicentini and the undersigned ere proceeding to Sicily during the week for the purpose of obtaining first-hand the ectual information 88 to the need, the amount of ellocation, and the perfection of provincial and communel organization. The results of this survey will be made evailable to the Advisory Committee prior to January 29, which is the date tentetively set for the transport of merchandise from Neples to Sicily. Milk and other supplies: The distribution of milk, vitemins, etc. has =lready commenced in the city of Rome to a group of institutions approximately 125 in number. This distribution is being made on the basis of 8 formula heretofore egreed to, that is, one quarter lfter milk per day for all children up to the ege of 10 in institutions only. Region IV of A.C. has agreed to underteke the complete survey of institutions in Rome, the results of which will be made available to this orgenization end which should be 8 great value end benefit in determining subsequent allocations of milk out of the shipment expected from the United States efter February 1. In the city of Neples such e survey has elreedy been made in the past, end the list of institutions to be serviced will be made available to Ing. Vicentini end myself in Neples during the coming week. Wg are plenning to remain in Naples önróur way to Sicily long enough to obtain this information. Arrangements have already been made to ship the Neples allotment of milk, vitamins, etc. to Neples from Rome on January 30. In conclusion we made summaries of present operations as follows: 1. The provinces of Chisti, Pescere, Aquile, Littorie, Frosinone and Campobasso: All the clothing delivered end distribution in progress. 2, Naples City end Naples Province: Allocetions have been made werehousing end trensportation have been arranged, end distribution is to commence during the week of Januery 22. 3. Rome Province (excluding Rome City): Clothing is to be delivered into the communes commencing Jenuery 27. 4. Foggie City: Clothing is to be delivered Januery 29. - a - 5. Sicily: Clothing is to leave Naples for Sicily on Jenuary 20, This amount is to be determined subsequent to A personal survey to be made prior to that time. Milk end other food and medical products: Delivery is now being made in Rome City and is to be mede in Noples City during the week of Jenuery 29. Hospitel material for Cessino area is now in the process of construction upon the premises. Virtually all the material has been delivered at ultimate place of destination. (Sgn) Joseph S. Silber. Americen Red Cross THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE Romo, February 12, 1945. Dear Mr. President: I am sending herewith for your records two copies of the following documents: Meeting no. 13 of advisory group of American Relief-National committee Memorandum on Distribution of Milk, vilk Foods, Vitamins, etc. Memorandum on Distribution of vitamins donated by American Relief for Italy to elementary schools and charitable institutions in pome. Sincerely yours, Myron C. Taylor Enclosures: as stated The President, The White House Washington, D. C. uary 5, 1945 Meeting No. 13 Attached are minutes of a meeting of the Advisory Group concerning relief held February 5, 1945 in the office of Ambassador Myron C. Taylor, Chairman of American Relief for Italy, Inc. The following members were in attendance: Brig. G. S. Perkinson, D.S.O., Director of Public Health Subcommission; Ing. Enrico P. Galeezzi, Architect of the Sacred Apostolic Palaces and Special Delegate to the Pontifical Commission of the State of the Vatican City; Prof. John Canaperia, M.D., Inspector General of Public Health Department of Ministry of Interior; Dr. Zanotti-Bianco, President of the Italian Red Cross; Col. John McSweeney, Public Health and Welfare Officer, Subcommission, Allied Commission; Dr. Lapponi of the Italian Red Cross, and Mr. Howard B. Barr, Deputy to Mr. Taylor. -1- Mr. Taylor: We will confine ourselves this morning to such reports as are available concerning the distribution of clothing, milk and medical supplies, briefly stated. Dr. Canaperia, in the absence of Ing. Vicentini, will you report on the present situation? Dr. Canaperia: We made distribution here in Rome as we planned in the previous meeting. Milk was distributed in about 126 institutes in Rome. I don't remember the number of children, but I believe it was about 8,000. The quantity of milk given to each child WAS 40 grams of powdered milk and one vitomin tablet for each child every day. We gave the quantity for two months because it was too diffi- cult to make the distribution for every 15 days as was originally planned. Besides powdered milk and vitemins, there were some other products, such 08 protein milk and dextri-maltose. As this kind of products were most useful to the hospitals for children with melnutrition diseases, they were distributed to the children's hospitals in Rome. I don't have the figures yet, but I think Mr. Taylor has the report concerning the distribution. (see attached report) Mr. Taylor: We didn't mimeograph it because we didn't have the Naples report in it. Whon Mons. Carroll-Abbing and Ing. Vicentini return from Noples, we will receive their report and have it all mimeographed. Prof. Canaperia: There is another report on milk and vitamins. Mr. Taylor: The other reports we have are related to clothing. I think Mons. Carroll-Abbing has the other report, and as soon as Naples is edded to it, it will be complete. Prof. Canaperia: The same type of distribution is also going on in Naples. Mr. Taylor: While we are on that subject, we feel it would be important to make a broad news release on the whole distribution of clothing and milk here and porticularly in America. Mons. Carroll- Abbing agreed with me last week that he would prepare the basis for that news release. When it is completed upon his return in the next two or three days, we will send it around with these reports. Before it is givon out, if anyone has any suggestions, we will be glad to receive them-but we ought to do it promptly to inspire further contributions at home. The detail of the distribution has not yet been published in America. The shipment and arrival of the meterial has been announced, but so far there has been no release concerning the distribution and its results. It will help our work very much, I believe, if we can broadcast the successful distribution. That will bring the Vatican, the Italian Government, the Italian Red Cross and the Confederation of Labor into the picture. I want their names brought in very actively. Prof. Canaperia: We also have the surgical sets. We started the distribution, and in this regard I should like to say that in these surgical sets there are sets of stains and microscopic slides for laboratory use. I don't think the smell hospitals have microscopes to make use of these, so I do think it would be advisable to assign them to the laboratories in the provinces which are very short of them. Mr. Taylor: There was also a request made of us last week for X-ray films. -2- Brig. Parkinson: Can you get microscopes? Prof. Conaperia: Our laboratories have microscopes, but they do not have stoi ns or microscopic slides. Dr. Lapponi: It is better to send them to the laboratories. Prof. Canaporia: Yes, the general hospitals heve no use for them. Mr. Barr: In regard to milk distribution in Rome, we had previously talked about an institution called Brefotrofio where there had been a considerable number of deaths. There was a story in the paper of February 4--just a littlo paragraph concerning this institution and the distribution of this committee: Translation from "Il Momento", Rome, February 4, 1945 -- "Amorican Intervention to Save the Childron of the Brefotrofic". "It is necessary to save the children of the Brefotrofic. We have already spoken of this anguishing problem. The children are under the constant monace of discasos and death, and the Provincial Institute for Aid to Children leads an unequal fight in order to save these children. "The high number of dead children is due in fact to the cold caused by leck of coal and to undernourishment for lack of necessary food--ospecially vitamins. "Now we acknowledge with joy and gratitude that American Relief for Italy, with Mr. Myron C. Taylor 88 its Chairman, and with distribution through ENDSI, has helped the children of the Brefotrofio with a distribution of the most ample supplies. "A first assignment of powdered whole milk, powdered protein milk, dextri-maltose, yeast tablets and vitamins has already been distributed to the Institute. "The Provincial representatives yesterday in a meeting yesterday expressed thoir heartfelt thanks to H.E. Myron Taylor. Mr. Taylor: I heard someone was coming here the other day to express thanks, and when they arrived, thore wore twelve of them, and they came to speak in a most formal way. If I had known it would be such an occasion, I would have asked this group to be present. Brig. Parkinson: With regard to fuel, there is fuel in Rome. It is just 8 question of getting it to those pleces where it is needed. There is 8 stock of fuel--it is soft, but it is the best we can got. In one place they were offered fuel, and one institution would not accept it because they wanted "nice lumps". You have to take the rough with the smooth, and they will have to take the slack coal with the good. I have that case on record--I received the report from Col. Bizzozero. Mr. Toylor: Have you covered all the items, Prof. Canaperia? Prof. Canaperia; Yes, except that first-aid kits have been distri- buted in many places. We have not yet received a full report of that distribution. Ing. Galeazzi: What about the four trucks which arrived? -3- Mr. Barr: Something should be worked out regarding the use of those four trucks. At present we are just going to bring in some rocommendetions on it. I'd rather not go into it At the moment. Mr. Taylor: We have 50 trucks on ships now coming, end we have to make a docision in this case. Those trucks belong to ARI, end they will rotain ownership. Their use will be the subject of our future discussion. ARI has no desire to set up a garage and undertake servicing or operation. We stand between the Allied Commission, the National Committee and the Italian Government. It is very important that these trucks have drivers and someone to service them, furnish gasoline for them and use them where they will be of the greatest service. I think the arrivel will be in about 15 days, and before that time we should have a good picture of the allocation. Mr. Barr: After my discussion with AFHQ and Government officials, I believe that a successful plan of operation can be presented for the information of the Committee. A motor pool can be established working under the Ministry of the Interior where all gasoline, service, maintenance, driving and control is furnished free of charge to the National Committee. It is important that the allo- cation of transport and the use of these trucks be decided by this Committee in conjunction with the National Committee. I think it will take a few more days to bring together a plan. I am not making commitments-I am just bringing the pieces together. There will not be cost or charge to ARI for any of these trucks for trans- portation, gasoline or for the drivers, And it appears now that it will come at no cost to the National Committee. It will come out of the regular cost to the Ministry of the Interior. Mr. Taylor: I think we should not make the commitment until we have the approval of the National Committee and the A.C., of course, because it will supplement the service and will make it easier for everybody. Mr. Barr: It will relieve the situation of the military. I will base my conclusions on the information of the experts in the field. Mr. Taylor: The other question I have in mind is the relation of UNRRA to our wor!- We have not made any advance since last week, because we have had no contact with UMRA. I imagine we will have in the near future. I believe the Director will come and see us about this subject. I have an indication that he will. I regret that he has not done so before. Last October 28 I prepared a state- ment as to the facilities of the Red Cross, the Vatican and the Government that formed the basis of a statement I prepared and circulated 88 to the need of cooperation between UNRRA and the National Committee. I would like now, and I will try to prepare before next week, a statement of the various activities of the organizations now in Italy and what part of the whole fiold is occupied in relation to relief other than food. Food is strictly on A.C. operation-we can't touch that. That is, listing the activities of orgenizations beginning with AFHQ and A.C., the Vatican, the Government, the Italian Red Cross, the Notional Committee and American Relief for Italy, the Rockefeller Institute, Am.rican and British Red Cross and Joint Distribution Committee. As I think about it, there are A good number of organizations already in Italy. Now if an agency, such ns UIIRRA, does not have a cloerly dofined scope of authority, I'm sure it is bound to lead to difficulty. I'm not sure if it is nt all in the interest of the Italian people, and I am ver." doubtful if it is in the interest of the -4- Italian Government. The predominant factor here is the Military who have all the authority in this country even though they have released portions of it in a civil sense to the Italian Government. I believe UNRRA should operate, if at all, in the most orderly way, and I think all objectives should be specific rather than vague end indefinite. I don't believe that any agency should be given too wide 8 scope of authority to come into the country at a moment when Italy is really on the way to help itself. I don't believe that imposing a foreign administration or onything that has the earmerks of domination over this country at this time in relief operation and administration is advisable. Nor do I believe it is advisable to impose upon Italy American and British standards of living. I think many people who come here think that American and British standards could be accomplished here. I don't think they can. I think our background is such that it might set a goal which is unattainable-- certainly unattainable in these present days. I don't think we want to change Italian people into Americans or British. Their back- ground is different. I think to set up a super-agency in this country which would have some authority over any element of national life, that is not already present here, is A great mistake. I don't think it is in the interest of real recovery. I don't believe that any of us know what the precise objective is. We talk in vague terms of relief as applied to children, ns applied to mothers, as applied to plagues or some other element of disease, and we don't particularize. We don't know what it is we are trying to do. In the matter of milk distribution we do know what we are doing; I don't think, however, we can hope to do it throughout the whole nation Even though certain supplies of milk are available, it certainly would not be enough to take care of the whole child population of Itely. It is a commendable, emotional impulse to try to help somebody. I believe some of the alleged objectives of UNRRA will cross the work of the National Committee; they are bound to. So that if a careful analysis is not made, end if an arrangement is not made with UNRRA--and Italy still wants the assistance of those elements that are involved in Amorican Relief for Italy, the field in which their donations are to continue to be used through the National Committee, must be clearly specified. The time will come when ARI, as far as we have representation here, will not be necessary--assuming our field for actual distribution is clearly delinested and practiced. Such aid to Italy can go on being made through the National Committee thout any further direction such as representatives of American Relief for Italy give it in this group, because it will become a matter of repetition. I think all relief activities should be made the responsibility of the National Government. The work done by foreign agencies in this country should be temporary. With that in mind ns an objective it seems to me we hove got to be very specific as to our plans for the future. Ing. Galeazzi: I think your point is quite just and right. It is much better to have the national agencies function in a general sense rather than any other agency on the spot. Wonderful help to the Itelian Government might be given through allowing their own organizations to function. The purpose of the ENDSI should in a general sense be the purpose of having these supplies reach the various organizations and depertments of the Italian Government end allowing them to function; for instance, giving medicines to the people--there are hospitals and doctors here for that purpose. There are the Red Cross organizations who are anxious to help. ONMI is already organized--an organization of the government which 18 All over the country to hel and assist mothers and children. They only are lacking supplies. It is not a good phan to run hospitals--but -5- rether to furnish the material. I believe the real benefit is to give the milk and other assistance to the organizations existing rather then entering the field of actual distribution. The real help to Italy might come from allowing this National Organization to function. American Relief for Italy has given the first example of this--creating a national agency for the purpose of relief distri- bution. ARI knew it was too hard a field and desired to bend help practically. The bost plan is to allow the National Institution to function. I feel it would be a mistake to have another foreign egency storting so late in an activity of this kind. Brig. Parkinson: I think I can clear up that point reasonably well. I am in at the top level on this thing. UNRA is prepered to use all available organizations that are existing in any place in which they will work--any of the government established organizations. They are not prepared, however, to be tied down to making use exclusively of this National Committee for Distribution. Ing. Galeazzi: An element of contact between the two is very convenient and expedient. The ENDSI is needed as a linison between the origin of supplies and distribution. Some organization of this kind, knowing fully the different activities in this field, I bolieve, is quite necessary in this work. If they are not prepered to use the ENDSI, they will have to form some other organization, and I don't know how it can be any different and be successful. Brig. Parkinson: You have this organization for distribution. Whet they say is that thoy are not prepared to present their matorial nt the top and let it be distributed in the various areas, and whatever organiz_tion is functioning in tho various ereas, they will use it there. There are two different points--one is that they are not prepered to hand it over at the top, but they are prepared to give out the material with their own organization in complete control. Mr. Taylor: Do they seek to take the place of the National Committee end to dictate what should be done with all the supplies. In addition, do they want the Government to pay into UNRRA on amount equal to the cost of supplies? Ing. Geleazzi: They will have to keep a local orgenization, which they could do without organizing if they used the organization alread formed--but it's up to then now. Mr. Taylor: If UNRRA wholeheertedly went out to do a simple, .conomical operation of distribution. To my mind ENDSI has all that is needed. I would not require a large staff to do it. On the medical side it would parallel the Allied Commission in one proposed field. It would perallol the field of malaria in which is the Army and the Rockefeller Institute and the Italian Government. .McSweeney: In conformity with your suggestion about lotting the Itolian people carry on their own work--we really have en experimente field already sot up in Southorn Italy in relation to the welfare system. I had the honor of being "Telfare Officer in one of the regions, but my staff was split up before I had the opportunity of introducing on American system, and the Itnlian system was used. Now we have 15 agencies in this area operating under the Itelian system in conjunction with ONMI and ECA. We also have a highly devel oped American welfare system in Sicily. It will be interesting to see which one will be operated best. We thought from the two wo would suggest something to the Italian Government. We feel that the ECA and the ONLMI will be better for the Italian people and will be adopted by them. -6- Brig. Parkinson: I think the Government should make the decision more or less. Mr. Taylor: I think if they receive advice from the Allies before proceeding further. Dr. Canaporia: We don't know what UNRRA wants to do. They are bringing some supplies hero in Italy; they must have some warehouses and a systen of distribution, which will have to be a duplication. Another question is the question of personnel in the senitery and medical field. I don't know how they want to use it. I hear about sending two dentists, two doctors, and 9 number of other spocialists. I really don't think we need doctors to be sent here. "e alrendy have many fine doctors in Itnly. What wo need is supplies for the doctors to work with. If UNRRA wants to give us one doctor to consult with us, that is very nice. Mr. Taylor: You also need pumps to pump water out of the marshes. The expert who was here from the Rockefeller Institute last summer was concerned about pumps to pump the morshes And provent the disease rather than cure it. Brig. Parkinson: The pumps would do A lot of good. I think one point is not clear concerning this organization that is set up now-- is it transitory or permanent? Mr. Taylor: The National Committee is permanent. Ing. Galeazzi: Of course. It is 8 solemn decree. There is no expiration date. It would need a very solemn act to abolish it. Brig. Parkinson: AS long as there is relief coming into Italy then this National body will continue to function. The warehouses should be permanent, too, for as long ns they are needed. Dr. Zenotti-Bianco: (interproted by Ing. Galeazzi)--Dr. Zanotti- Bianco has hnd an occasion of viowing the draft of egroement between UNRRA and the Italiah Government, and he has seen in this draft UNRRA is asking many privileges and prerogatives. For instance, Dr. Zanotti-Bianco has quoted the natter of refugees. UNRRA has asked for a free hand in the refugee situation. A committee is alread organized by the Government for refugees. What would be the position of this Committee? In many ways it would mean A grent denl of embarrassment also to the Italian Government if UNRRA sends doctors a people to work at the expense of the Italian Government. That appear to be rather unreasonable. I think the iden of ARI, which was first in the field, was quite successful because immediately this National Institute was formed to be kind of n lisison. In the matter of the distribution of clothing, it is n now field because I don't think that the Government had di stributed used clothing among the people, and it whs quite natural that this National Committee would CO the national distribution. It was n. new thing in the plan of any government, and it was n very nico thing to do. Brig. Perkinson: Is Dr. Binnco exactly certain that the salaries of these doctors will have to be paid by the Italian Government. Dr. Zenotti-Bianco: I am sure. Mr. Taylor: My understanding of the contract, ns represented to ne, is that all the expenses of the UNRRA organization in preperation to coming to Itoly, or in action in Itnly would be paid for in Itelian -7- lire furnished by the Italian Government. I an told that the Italy: Government is asked to put up 50 million lire before any action toke' place. Each month or each wook they render nn account, and the Italian Government has to pay it. At the end of the UNRRA campaign. if the 50 million remeins intact, it will be returned to the Govern- ment. In the interin they have the right to buy supplies for the use of other other countries--and to use transport and warehouses in Itely for supplies for other countries. It involves a great deal of bookkeeping, and the Italian Government pays the bills. Brig. Parkinson: About the soleries of the American doctors who are coming over-that's not my understanding. Ing. Galeazzi: The dreft says that all expenses incurred in Italy will be paid by the Italian Government. Dr. Zanotti-Bianco: In addition to this all expenses for the prepers tion of the work in America would be up to the Italian Government to payl Naturally, the Italian Government is handicapped at prosent by the general situation, and the request from this organization of all these priviloges, including the diplomatic priviloges--is increasing) difficult--the full right of control of the activities of the Govern- ment must be maintained. Mr. Taylor: The British and American Red Cross are here, too, end will give help if asked of thom. In the refugee field wo have alread present in Italy the Inter-Governmental Committee for Refugees, which is equipped with funds supplied by the British and the United States. We also have the President's War Refugee Board. There is the Refugee Connittee of the Italian Government, which needs only the transportation to move the refugees about in the country, and these movements are not so great R8 to require international action. The refugees in the œuntry, who came fron within the country--other then militory--I don't believe anount to more than 10 or 15,000. Mr. Barr: Mr. Taylor is talking about foreigners in Italy. The only great group is the group in the southern part of Italy who were brought from the Balkans to save them from nilitary persecution. The are a purely military problem. Mr. Taylor: I think while great emphasis is on the refugee question, if you analyze it you find that there is A great difference between refugees and displaced persons. The number of displaced persons is really small. The refugee problem, as an international problem; is not a very big problem in Italy. I don't think we know the truth about the whole situation. Until we do, we cennot determine what the action should be. I believe the A.C. has a great interest in this subjoct. If you will All help to provide information about these several functions that UNRRA might be engaged in here and their relations to existing agencies parellel these same activities, I think it would be very useful to everybody. I don't believe such a survey has been made. Col. McSweeney: I don't know the Ambassador's attitude, but the home front is bringing forth controversy as to whother nurses should be sont over here. They are complaining that All the doctors are coming here. Sone are being urged to leave their practices in the States and come into UNRRA. Mr. Taylor: How many people do you estimate that UNRRA has now?