File No. 103.95/139
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2, 9 p.m.]
For Hurley from Colby:
In view of understanding reached with England regarding equal division of Norwegian tonnage suggest you permit vessels loaded for Allied ports to proceed. The adjustment of tonnage between England and ourselves will take some time and will be worked out in due course. To hold up the voyages of ships laden with supplies for the Allies would be hardly justifiable even if we had not made the agreement. In view of understanding, holding of ships might [Page 641] be construed as a rejection of the terms of agreement providing for equal division of tonnage. Please cable on this point so I can answer British complaint. The ships referred to are mentioned in telegram of British Foreign Office to Washington Embassy of recent date.