CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 1948
10:00 am
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Marshall to proceed.
MARSHALL
Treated Italian colonies situation - the political issues - domestic and foreign. Italy is now a deficit area - the colonies in question are deficit areas. Local tribes will fight Italian entry. Italy has no troops under terms of treaty - this means that Treaty would have to be amended and Italians given arms. The deputies of the 4 Powers - Russia, France, England and U. S. - are meeting on this now. It looks like they will reach no agreement and matter will be submitted to the United Nations.
Marshall read note to Soviet Govt with respect to Soviet Consul General in New York - asking for his recall due to charges by a Russian school teacher who has been unlawfully detained by the Soviet Consulate in New York.
Palestine situation is again critical. The Arab population is down to 600 cows (for 300,000 Arabs) - there is a shortage of water - disease is rampant and sanitation situation is unspeakable. There is vital need for food, medicine and insecticides.
10:45