811.24 Raw Materials/423: Telegram
The Minister in the Netherlands (Gordon) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—4:40 p.m.]
279. Department’s 141, November 14, 5 p.m. The Legation telephoned London Embassy yesterday at 2:30 p.m. while Rubber Committee meeting was in progress and gave it the following information. Foreign Office had on November 10 telephoned Hart who stated that British members of International Rubber Committee had 2 weeks previously discussed increasing next year’s fiscal quota to 80%. While no decision was reached the British were disinclined to do so and Hart agreed with their point of view. After considering the information in my note of November 9 to the Foreign Office Hart said he would try to obtain an increase in first quarter quota to 80% but could not agree to any increase in fourth quarter quota beyond 75%.
At noon yesterday the competent official of the Foreign Office informed the Legation that the Dutch Minister of Colonies was opposed to any further increase in releases for fear of disturbing [Page 896] market conditions through speculative operations (sic). This official further stated that he thought the Department’s suggestion of an extension of the period of delivery of Agreement rubber offered a new line of approach to an increase of rubber releases, that he would immediately telephone it to Hart in London with the suggestion that it be given every possible consideration though he did not feel optimistic about results as far as the present Committee meeting was concerned. This was the end of the communication to Mr. Filed [?] in London.
At 6:00 p.m. the Foreign Office official informed the Legation he had telephoned its views to the Dutch Legation in London. Hart was not there but Dutch Minister would communicate them to him that evening. This morning this official informed the Legation he had later last night talked over the telephone with the Dutch Minister in London who said meeting was finished and decision to increase first quarter quota to 80% was reached before Hart received the message.
The foregoing is but another instance of the fact that it would be preferable from every angle and more conducive to desired results if urgent instructions concerning tin and rubber were not repeatedly received here on the very day when periodic meetings of the respective control committees are being held in London, or at the best the day before. While I think the Department will admit that we do get the most rapid action possible under such conditions nevertheless it is obvious that the Dutch authorities naturally dislike constantly being urged, with respect to matters which necessarily require consultation among various officials, to take practically instantaneous action—let alone the fact that the Legation has to expend a large amount of the good-will which it has built up in pressing Dutch officials to get on the long distance telephone immediately.