File No. 855.48/741

The Belgian Prime Minister ( De Broqueville) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

May I strongly urge Your Excellency that United States Shipping Board agree to proposal of Stevens of Maritime Transport Council, first, to alleviate May crisis, the United States furnish three vessels at once, the British also furnishing three, exclusive of the Pacific and. Gustaf Adolf; second, that monthly shortage of tonnage required by C.R.B. be furnished in equal parts by American and British ship executives. If this principle be agreed to it will assure the tonnage needed, as the details can be arranged. Otherwise there is danger of the present impasse continuing, which can only result in even graver conditions in Belgium and France.

De Broqueville