ANNEX
77
Page 158
1.
Telegram from Berlin (Military Governor) to Foreign Office, No. 1011, dated 14th July, 1949.
In accordance with instructions received from their Governments the United States and United Kingdom Military Governors with their Air Force Commanders discussed today the future of the Berlin airlift.
2.
In their instructions the Military Governors have been told to plan for a stock pile in Berlin of 4 to 5 months estimated at 1,100,000 metric tons. The question as to whether this figure of 1,100,000 metric tons actually represents 4 to 5 months' stock depends upon the bases of calculation assumed for consumption of various commodities. For example an important difference would be introduced by varying the quantity of domestic fuel to be allowed during the winter. However the Military Governors are agreed that a figure of the magnitude of 1,100,000 metric tons can be regarded as the maximum that is practicable from the point of view of storage and finance.
3.
Stocks in Berlin today are approximately 600,000 metric tons. The intake by all means of transport except road is approximately 19,000 tons. Consumption is 5,000 tons. Therefore there is a daily gain of approximately 14,000 tons. At this rate the target stock pile will be built up within approximately 35 days.
4.
The Military Governors therefore consider that immediate steps to reduce the airlift by phases are necessary. According to the advice given them by their Air Force Commanders the fastest practicable rate of phase-out would have the effect of reducing the available airlift to 5,000 metric tons for one month, 3,000 metric tons during the second month and 1,800 metric tons thereafter. This shows the need for an urgent decision for re-deployment of the air forces,
5.
The Military Governors therefore recommend that orders for re-deployment should be given forthwith in accordance with the maximum practicable rate as proposed by the Air Force Commanders given in paragraph 4 above. They calculate that if these orders become effective from 1st August the target stock pile will have been achieved by 31st August and it will be unnecessary to make use of the airlift during the second phase of re-deployment. However they undertake to observe the position carefully from week to week in order to make any adjustments that may be necessary due to the forecast of deliveries not coming up to expectation.
6.
In the above calculations no allowance has been made for the carriage of raw materials for industry nor for consumer goods. On the other hand no credit has been taken for road transport and it is by this means that most of these commodities are reaching Berlin at the moment. Nor has any credit been taken for supplies being received direct into Berlin from the Eastern Zone. Moreover the figure assumed for tonnage by rail excludes two rail paths which are being used for express freight trains for non-stock-piles items.
7.
The Military Governors recommend that re-deployment should gt58 ited States Air Force age the of 667. proportionately, details to be worked out between the Air
Force Commanders.
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