File No. 656.119/863
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain ( Laughlin )
2810. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 1615. Your 1828, Embassy 3551, November 8.1 We see no objection to export of colonial products by vessels mentioned and under conditions mentioned. With reference to articles which Dutch wish to purchase in United States, West Indies, and Argentine, we would not oppose the purchase and shipment to England to await conclusion of agreement, but we will not consent to the use of the five Dutch vessels mentioned now in western Atlantic waters. As you are aware, the disposition of these vessels has been the subject of a very considerable controversy with the Dutch Government and we have made it a matter of principle that imports into Holland from America must be lifted by vessels sent out from Holland. We [Page 1565] perceive no reason for departing from this position, particularly as in view of conclusion of armistice there appears to be no reason whatever why the Dutch should not at once begin to use freely their ships in Dutch European ports.