At the beginning of 1938, Monnet like many other observers, was beginning to look with apprehension at the rapid growth of the German airforce. Particularly in France which had European superiority in the air during the inter-war years, there was considerable discomfort. Edouard Daladier, the French Defence Minister and William Bullitt, US Ambassador were trying to raise the alarm bells about German activities. The Munich crisis of September 1938, re-affirmed their suspicions about Hitler's aims. Daladier, who at this time had become Prime Minister was initiating talks with Monnet, Bullitt and the French Air Minister, Guy la Chambre, it was decided that Monnet be sent on a secret mission to the US to talk with President Roosevelt about the procurement of planes. Despite initial problems which Monnet encountered in the purchasing of planes - Neutrality Act, political lobby favouring isolationism and the suspicions of Morgenthau, the US Secetary of Treasury concerning Monnet and all international bankers, Monnet did achieve some success. During this time Monnet was continuing to balance his work as a banker with his committment to help France, with the invasion of Poland in September 1939, Monnet decided to commit totally to the war effort. With the outbreak of war, Monnet suggested that the Allies, form a joint supply organisation to draw up a balance sheet of needs and resources. This organisation came into effect November 1939, and was named the Anglo-French Co-ordinating Committee (AFCC) with Monnet as its Chairman. With the fall of France in May 1940 the AFCC obviously became defunct so Monnet put himself at the disposal of the British government, where he was recruited by the PM, Winston Churchill to go to Washington to work with Arthur Purvis, Head of the British Purchasing Mission. Monnet's first task there was to draw up a balance sheet of British resources and requirements, a task which was completed by US economist Stacey May. The results initially caused a shock in Washington, but later came the realisation that US effort to aid the allies would have to be increased

The originals are held in various Archives in Europe and in the USA

No Photocopying