File No. 763.72/3472
The Chargé in the Netherlands ( Langhorne) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.30 p.m.]
758. Department’s 431, March 8, 10 a.m. Minister of Foreign Affairs informs me Dutch Government has treated armed merchantmen as war vessels since declaration of neutrality at beginning of war and they are not permitted to enter territorial waters except under stress of weather, etc. No distinction is made for vessels armed for defensive purposes. This refers to belligerent vessels. Dutch Government has arrived at no conclusion regarding armed neutral vessels. Minister for Foreign Affairs will inform me of any action which may be taken in this regard.