i                               i  
                                                            
 
 
                            -4-                             
 
                                                            
 
 
schooners released were used to haul essential materials, which would meet   
the winter's need. Engineer Vicentini described the difficulties regarding   
mainland trade with the islands and stated that from his experience with   
the feeding of the city of Rome every effort should be made to use all   
available tonnage for the distribution of materials in Italy
 
                                                            
 
 
The subject of ocean shipping from possible sources of supply was   
brought up with the notification of the group by Mr. Taylor that tonnage   
had been made available to American Relief for Italy for its materials and   
that it was hoped that additional tonnage would be made available. Prime   
Mintster Bonomi then stated that some nine ships presently in the ports of   
Argentina belonging to the Italian Government should be mode available to   
import necessary supplies. Foreign Secretary Viscenti-Venosta stated that   
the subject of the release of the nine ships in the Argentine was currently   
a subject of representation to the British and American Governments and he   
felt should not be discussed at this time. Sir Noel Charles concurred in   
this regard. Prince Carlo Pacelli, representing the Vatican, informed the   
group that the Vatican flag could be used on any ship  obtainable and   
suggested that this might be one solution to the problem of jurisdiction   
and nationality. Judge Marchisio then observed that the Sovereign Military  
order of Malta had offered the use of their flag for shops concerning   
themselves with relief for the civilian population of Italy.
 
                                                            
 
 
 Commodore Stone then stated that he had recently received   
information that would lead him to believe that the monthly basic   
necessary imports of 130,000 tons might be drastically curtailed. The   
130,000 tons to be imported according to Commodore Stone are the basic   
minimum imports to maintain the present ration below the Pisa-Rimini line.   
He was emphatic in his observation that this tonnage was absolutely   
essential and must be met. Sir Noel Charles spoke on the subject of these   
basic imports and felt sure that every effort should be made to maintain   
the present standard of rationing and to continue this basic tonnage. The   
Prime Minister and others present concurred and impressed upon the group   
the absolute necessity of maintaining present rationing and the need to   
increase rather than detract from the basic goods. Prince Doria and Prime   
Minister Bonomi both emphasized the social and political significance of a   
possible reducton in rations. The entire group was impressed with the   
                 gravity of the situation.                  
 
                                                            
 
 
As to point (3) there was little discussion as all present agreed   
that all relief for free distribution must of necessity be channeled   
through a single Italian agency and that only confusion would result in   
embracing a different plan. UNRRA and whatever other potential plans for   
         relief are included in the understanding.          
 
                                                            
 
 
  The subject of the cancellation of permits and bans restricting   
trade was presented by Mr. Taylor who threw out as a question the   
possibility that the resumption of trade by the communities historically   
familiar to Italy might relieve the situation. Prime Minister Bonomi   
replied stating that he had recently issued a directive concelling  the   
majority of restrictive regulations in liberated Italy to permit the   
resumption of trade.  All present at he confernece concurred as to the   
         necesity of this action and requested that