Effects of Interrupting the Export of Hard Coal from the Ruhr to the Rest of the Reich Report by J.I.C.

10. Nevertheless every further restriction on these supplies will directly affect Germany's power to fight. Statistically, even if Ruhr coal were completely interdicted, she should still possess hard coal supplies sufficient to maintain rail transport outside that area, shipping, some public services, and the more essential parts of her surviving war industry. In practice, there is little doubt that, whereas coal supplies would be adequate in some areas, over other wide areas coal famines would develop.