"The loss of the protective function of the epithelium lays open the intestine to infection by organisms present in the food and would explain the presence of ulcers so frequently found in persons dying from starvation. The evidence in the confidential report mentioned above dealing with observations on people who had died of starvation during this war cam: into my hands when, early in 1943, Dr. Gaunt drew my attention to the work of Elman and others in U.S.A. The findings of these observers were to the effect that suitable hydrolysates had been used with considerable success in the treatment of starvation arising out of pathological conditions which prevented the consumption, digestion or absorption of food administered in the ordinary way. Dr. Gaunt showed me a review on the subject which he had prepared. At my suggestion, he published it (Gaunt, 1944). I encouraged him, and subsequently the representatives of another firm, to pursue their researches as vigorously as possible, because I was of opinion that the method of treatment, evidently having proved successful in U.S.A., would be of inestimable benefit to people suffering from acute starvation."