File No. 656.119/589
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9.08 p.m.]
3318. My 3224, June 20, 6 p.m.1 Minister for Foreign Affairs publishes a statement reviewing steps taken by the Netherlands Government in regard to the convoy in which he states that in view of the very decided objection on the part of the British Government, the Dutch Government did not consider it advisable to let the convoy [Page 1508] sail until differences had been cleared and that, as it appeared from the communication of the British Government of June 29 that no agreement could be reached in regard to the dyestuffs on board, the convoy would leave after the dyes had been unloaded. He states that owing to a stagnation in traffic to the East Indies consequent upon the requisitioning of Dutch ships, the Government decided avail themselves of the opportunity of a war vessel going to the Netherlands Indies to despatch a convoy for the convenience of Government officials and their families and for the transport of munitions of war and Government goods. The convoy is intended to keep up Government communication between the homeland and the colonies. The British Government denied the right of convoy but as a tangible proof of its friendly disposition towards Holland stated that it had no intention, under certain conditions, of putting obstacles in the way of the convoy. End of statement.
The British Minister informs me that in addition to the condition that the aniline dyes shall not be taken, assurances must be given that no part of cargo is composed of goods of more than 25 per cent enemy origin. Objections regarding coal of enemy origin appear to have lapsed. The British Government is further understood to have stipulated that the departure of this convoy shall not form a precedent either for its return or for the departure of another convoy. I understand unofficially that the conditions of the British Government have been complied with including the discharge of the aniline dyes and it is announced that the convoy will depart tomorrow.1 Its sailing is almost universally criticized in the Dutch press which argues that it is a useless expense especially in view of the fact now brought to light that it is sailing only under conditions stipulated and satisfactory to the British Government. The Minister of Marine, who is supposed to have been intimately connected with the plans for the sailing of the convoy, has resigned, apparently in connection with the criticisms in which he was involved. The Minister for War has taken over his portfolio ad interim.