856D.6176/177: Telegram (part air)
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 16—11:25 a.m.]
17. According to Van Lynden the two formulas presented by him on behalf of the United States Rubber Company to the Dutch Producers’ Committee were rejected Tuesday afternoon. He is to have an interview with Dr. Colijn on Monday and I expect to be able to cable the Department more fully at that time.
Regular meetings of the Producers’ Committee are not being held for the moment due apparently to unexpected difficulties having arisen between the British and Dutch. The exact point of dissension cannot be ascertained for the moment but believe that it is either (1) the question of maximum price or (2) inability of the Dutch Government to give satisfactory assurances concerning the restriction in production of native growers.
Have ascertained that assurances of the Netherlands Government contained in the note of March 9th repeated in part to the Department in the Legation’s number 13 of March 10, noon, do not involve inclusion in draft of agreement of any article concerning price. It may be assumed therefore that Dutch expectations of maintaining a maximum price may well be counted upon if British cooperation is assured on this particular point once the international restriction committee starts to function.