File No. 656.119/188
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8.07 p.m.]
7990. (Copy to War Trade Board.) Lord Robert Cecil has to-day approved the Dutch modus vivendi suggested in Taylor’s 7923, December 11, 4 p.m., calling for release of Ceylon, Nias, Ternate, Gorontalo, Adonis, Hercules, Samarinda, Celebes, Zeelandia on condition that feed-stuffs, fertilizing and oil-bearing seeds be removed from cargoes before these vessels are ready for [sailing]. This modus vivendi is now approved also by Italians and French. It is of course understood that these vessels shall be accepted only upon the furnishing of guarantees to return to American ports after unloading. I wish particularly to emphasize the necessity of strict observance all Allied measures calculated to prevent these cargoes in any way benefiting the enemy as advised by Lord Robert. This would apply to any N[etherlands] O[versea] T[rust] “free” cargoes. Please telegraph whether this meets your approval.