File No. 832.85/56a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
5960. For Colby1 from Polk:
Following terms of arrangement made by the French with the Brazilians covering ships:
Between December 1, 1917, and March 1, 1918, these vessels shall make 12 voyages between Brazil and Europe. Between March 1, 1918, and March 1, 1919, they shall make each way between France and Brazil 32 voyages. To the credit of the Brazilian Government France will deposit in London 110,000,000 francs and will expend also double that amount, equally divided in purchasing Brazilian coffee and cereals. There will be no purchase of rubber. Ships remain under the Brazilian flag and with Brazilian crews. Contract expires March 1, 1919.
As you can see arrangement most unsatisfactory as no provision for ships in North Atlantic made. As far as common interest is concerned, terms do not compare with terms offered United States. I take the liberty of suggesting that you might point out very plainly to French that we are surprised and disappointed at the terms made. Apparently no provision whatever is made to relieve North Atlantic situation, although French Government is constantly demanding more ships from the British and ourselves to relieve their wants.
- Delegate of the United States Shipping Board to the Inter-Allied Conference.↩