File No. 300.115/589

The Minister in the Netherlands (Van Dyke) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

39. Branch houses of American firms and importers of American products at Rotterdam request me to transmit the following memo randum for your serious and early consideration:

We desire to protest energetically against measures taken by belligerent governments regarding shipments consigned us from the United States which [Page 318] have resulted in the Holland-America Line refusing to accept cargo intended for us unless consigned to the Dutch Government. We feel that American houses are entitled to conduct their business direct with their branches without interference as long as the goods clearly bear the neutral origin, character, and destination and are transported to neutral destination by neutral carriers. We are willing to sign a declaration to the effect that we are the consignees of the respective goods; that they are or will be sold to our customers in the Netherlands exclusively or for reexportation to such countries only as are not at war. This declaration should fully cover the requirements of all belligerents.

Van Dyke