740.00112 European War 1939/62: Telegram

The Minister in the Netherlands ( Gordon ) to the Secretary of State

173. For the Secretary and Under Secretary. My 169, September 11, 6 p.m. I received copy of identic note in question last night. In general it follows the lines set forth in my 169 [164?], September 9, 1 p.m. Three interesting changes are: (1) Note recites that the Dutch Government has affirmed its determination to maintain its neutrality and that the Governments of neighboring belligerent countries have solemnly declared that as long as this was maintained they would respect it; (2) by way of counterproposal the Dutch Government declares its readiness to enter immediately into negotiations with the British diplomat exploring the possibility of arriving at an arrangement which on the general basis of the British proposal would [Page 733] respond to the necessities of safeguarding the food supply of Holland and in a reasonable measure the free communication of its ports and commerce with both belligerent and neutral countries; (3) no mention is made of the transitory provisions envisaged by article 5 of British proposal.

Will send text of note by first confidential means.27

Gordon
  1. Despatch No. 885, September 13, not printed.