File No. 656.119/132
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 18, 12.38 a.m.]
8282. For War Trade Board from Sheldon:
No. 34. I negotiated with Vollenhoven as per your telegram the 15th in answer to my No. 21, and he has sent the following cable to his Government:
Representative American War Trade Board informed me his Government agrees with provisional agreement as follows. All vessels mentioned in clause 1 plus Hercules to be chartered under agreed charter terms to United States for one round trip maximum duration 90 days outside Europe and Atlantic islands. Of this amount up to 150,000 tons to be employed at the discretion of United States Government, part in the service Belgian Relief, part for Switzerland on safe conduct to Cette, France. Vessels which have gone on very short trips and arrived back before definite arrangement has been concluded are to be permitted by Government of the Netherlands to be [rechartered] for another short trip, total duration of trips maximum 90 days. For each ship to Holland sent in relief service corresponding vessels to leave Holland for America. From other ships lying in American ports two ships will be allowed to leave for Holland to be chosen from three following: Samarinda, Adonis, and Zeelandia. Two ships of similar tonnage must be sent in exchange from Holland to United States and put at disposal of United States Government after arrival for one round trip in the same way as ships in clause 1. If Zeelandia is chosen [Frisia] must be sent in exchange. All cargo on the two boats released to Holland shall be consigned to N[etherlands] O[versea] T[rust]. The British authorities have stated they would expedite examination and clearance at Halifax. If you can agree with this, please arrange direct with Washington and let me know as soon as possible.