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8.
When the stock pile has been completed there wi78 still be a surplus of intake capacity by rail and barge over
some 6,000 tons daily. The utilisation of
this sup.
req8289 of 652depend primarily upon the possibilities of
finance. Towards the end of the year the surplus will be greatly reduced through increased winter consumption and cessation of barge traffic due to freezing of canals.
9.
With regard to the question of the possible resumption of the airlift in the event of the reimposition of the blockade the Military Governors have the following recommendations to make:
(A) That two troop carrier groups U. S. A. F. and two heavy transport squadrons R. A. F. remain in Germany.
(B) That their Governments make appropriate arrangements to ensure that the airlift can be built up again so as to attain full scale within a period of 90 days.
(c) That each Air Force in Germany shall ensure that installations within its control are maintained sufficiently to ensure that the airlift can be built up again at the rate given in (B) above.
10.
The Military Governors ask for a very early decision of the above recommendations. They are also of the opinion that when approval has been received they should make a joint statement to the press of their intentions regarding the future of the airlift without going into much detail.
2.
Telegram from Berlin (Military Governor) to Foreign Office, No. 1012, dated 14th July, 1949.
My telegram No. 1011 is an agreed telegram with General Hays who is despatching an identical telegram to his Government.
2.
There is some argument between our staffs about the figures in paragraph 3 particularly as regards the maximum quantity of coal that can be received and handled in Berlin. This argument does not affect the conclusion of the telegram viz. that the air forces should now be re-deployed at the fastest practicable rate.
3.
We will watch the stock position carefully and have plenty of margin for safety in the fact that there will be an available air-lift during the second phases of re-deployment of 3,000 tons per day which we are not expecting to require.
4.
Liquid fuel stocks are already adequate to cover requirements to March, 1950. Allied requirements are catered for separately.
3.
Telegram from Berlin (Military Governor) to Foreign Office. No. 1014, dated 14th July. 1949.
My telegram 1011. United States/United Kingdom Military Governors' recommendations on the future of the airlift.
2.
If the reductions in lift recommended in that signal are accepted, a progressive reduction in numbers of British air- craft will be possible. Air Officer Commander-in-Chief is in communication of the Air Ministry on thisprinto ofte2particular reference as to which types of aircraft should be released. is requested that you will discuss the question of release of civil dry freighters with Air Ministry, as it is understood they may wish for the early release of certain R. A. F. machines.
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