-3- #382, November 16, 7 p.m., from Vatican City.      
 
                                                            
 
 
Italy and others en route, these were earmarked for northern Italy as   
allied lines move forward. he also indicated that these goods were of a   
standard pattern, were new and to divert them for our temporary use   
pending substitution of American releif goods when unloaded (being largely   
worn and re-conditioned material) would not be approved be the Red Cross.   
          There are no there materials available.           
 
                                                            
 
 
(2) I regret to advise that failure to permit and expedite the   
loading and sailing of Spanih (300 tons and Argentine 7,000 tons) ships   
with necessary supplies for the Vatican State (a neutral state) and for   
its 120 soup kitchens which serve 142,500 soups daily to the very poor and   
which it the major facility for relieving distress of the most   
impoverished Italian people will occasion serious consequences. We are   
told that a part of these supplies have been awaiting shipment at   
Barcelona since January 23. Our previous telegrams explain details.   
Ambassador Hayes as late as Novmeber 9 indicated that these supplies are   
still awaiting shipment. In this respect we call attention to suggestion   
in telegram No. 323, September 19, that a particular person be charged   
        with primary responsiblity of handling these        
 
                           relief