The Washington times., 1918-12-16
GERMAN FAMINE IS
FEARED BY ALLIES
By RAYMOND CLAPPER.

Germany faces a winter OF desper-
ate food shortage.
Contrary to the general impression.
allied officials feel real anxiety over
the danger of famine in Germany.
not because of any sudden outbUrst
of sympathy. but because they be-
lieve a starving and frantic Germany
would be a menace to all Europe.
These conclusions are drawn by al
lied officials after study of available
data on food prospects in Germany,
It can be stated authoritatively.
Germany's chief difficulties are:
/. Shortage OF potatoes major
part of the diet
.. Serious shortage OF the means of
transport.
Information now in possession OF
allied officials, was collected from Ger
man sources before the armistice.
Then Germany was trying to put the
best face on matters for the effect it
would have both on her own people
and on the outside world.
Hoover Is Alarmed.
"The testimony is therefore not
subject to suspicion of exaggeration
which might attach to the recent Ger
man appeals on this subject IL taken
by themselves" an allied official sum-
mary states. "The two keys to the
situation are the potato supply and
the transport question.
"It seems fairly clear that there Is
very real cause for anxiety as to the
potato crop. Unfavorable weather,
disease, want Of labor required to lift
the potatoes. the consequence being
that many have been left exposed to
danger of frost. and the boarding and
Illicit trade which have gone on de-
spite all attempts to check them-an
these things have combined to make
the prospect for an adequate supply
IN the coming year very gloomy.
"And these factors are REINFORCED
by the serious shortage of the means
of transport This subject deserves
serious attention"
Herbert Hoover. director of world
relief. and other high allied officials
are known to feel strongly that hum
ger Is q world danger now, when Boil
shevism. Is trying desperately to in
wade all countries.
Last winter, when rail transporta-
ton in the United States became
cIegged, Hoover piled up secret stores
OF food on the lower East Side in New
York and in other large cities. fear
ing Bolshevik agitation II food ran
short
Truce Adds DinicultleS.
Before the armistice many German
newspapers were demanding that the
government get busy on the food
question. They predicted famine by
'spqing II potatoes and grain were not
moved before winter slowed up trans
portation.
By the arnistice provisions this job
IS made much more difficult, though
the provisions were necessary for
military reasons.
This years potato crop is ap-
parently one-third to one-quarter
smaller than last years. To stretch
the supply as faI-as possible. part Of
the potatoes allowed for industrial
purposes will be used for eating in
stead. This includes a requisition of
25 per cent Of potatoes allowed dis
tiIlers. Sound potatoes may be used
for fodder only IL they are smaller
than an inch in size.
The grain crop is Is per cent better
than last years, but farmers are
boarding and the movement to the
cities is slow. 1t is possible that the
bread ration will be increased in some
instances.
Vegetables will be scarce during
the second half of the winter. Tur-
nips and cabbages are apparently
nearly gone, though there is plenty of
sauerkraut.
The sugar ration can be main tanned,
IL is believed. the crop being equal to
that OF last year.
Meat. prospects are less hopeful.
Illicit laughtering has reduced the
supply and aggravated the milk
shortsA.
BSeaGse Of food difficulties, all holi-
day travel to Bavarian resorts has
been forbidden
RIAIIHFNI0n