File No. 656.119/193

The Netherland Minister ( Van Rappard) to the Counselor for the Department of State ( Polk)

No. 648

Dear Mr. Polk: Referring to our conversation of to-day I have the honor, according to a cablegram received from my Government, to confirm the provisional agreement made through the intermediary of the Netherland representatives in London and representatives of the United States War Trade Board, whereby all vessels lying in American ports with exception of the steamers Zeelandia, Celebes, Ternate, Gorontalo, Adonis and Samarinda are to be chartered under agreed charter terms to the United States for one round trip maximum duration of which is 90 days, outside of Europe and Atlantic islands. Of this amount up to 150,000 tons is to be employed at the discretion of the United States, partly in the service of the Belgian Relief, partly 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 the [Page 1393] Netherland Government to be rechartered for another short trip, the total duration of which trips not to exceed the maximum of 90 days. For each ship sent to Holland in the service of the Belgian Relief a corresponding vessel is to leave Holland for the United States. From other ships lying in American ports two ships will be allowed to leave for Holland, to be chosen from the three following: Samarinda, Adonis, and Zeelandia. Two ships of similar tonnage must be sent in exchange from Holland to the United States and be put at the disposal of the United States Government after arrival for one round trip in the same way as ships now lying in American ports with the exception of the six ships mentioned herein. If the steamer Zeelandia is chosen, the steamer Frisia must be sent in exchange. All cargo on the two boats released to Holland shall be consigned to the Netherland Oversea Trust Company. The Netherland Government must have the guarantee that the French Government will not requisition nor detain the ships in Cette. The shipowners will instruct their agents.

Believe me [etc.]

W. L. F. C. v. Rappard