811.114 Netherlands/43b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in the Netherlands (Emmet)
47. Commander B. M. Thompson, a representative of the Treasury Department, will visit you in near future to discuss question of obtaining cooperation of Netherlands Government in prevention of alcohol and liquor smuggling. Please extend appropriate assistance.
With reference to your despatch No. 148, January 24, 1935 after discussing matter with Commander Thompson endeavor, in your discretion, to have Netherlands Government extend provision requiring bonds for production of landing certificate to include all vessels carrying spirits to any country. Present system of withholding information regarding exports of spirits facilitates smuggling and reduces legitimate exports. Bonds for production of landing certificates now required by Canada, Cuba, British West Indies, Newfoundland, British Honduras, and St. Pierre-Miquelon, leaving European ports as main sources of alcohol for smuggling traffic.