File No. 763.72112/883a

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

[Telegram]

130. American exporters tobacco and other non-contraband commodities at present handicapped by action of Holland-America Line in refusing to accept shipments. Articles of Oversea Trust appear to limit their operations to contraband commodities. Can Oversea Trust accept such non-contraband shipments? If not, will application be made to enlarge its powers to enable it to do so, thus preventing transshipment to Germany? If so, ascertain from Holland-America if goods will be accepted consigned to Oversea Trust.

Bryan