856A.20/37: Telegram
The Minister to the Netherlands Government in Exile (Biddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 25—4:45 p.m.]
Netherlands Series 24. For the President. Your 27, September 20, 5 p.m. Your message was yesterday handed to Queen Wilhelmina who expressed deep appreciation of your acceptance of the points she had proposed as a basis for collaboration in safeguarding the Surinam bauxite deposits.
With regard to the proposal to extend the arrangement to Brazil, she said that the introduction of this new question would require [Page 817] careful consideration. She felt constrained to admit that as an initial reaction she was doubtful. She was receiving Prime Minister Gerbrandy that afternoon and would discuss the matter with him with a view to his calling an early Cabinet meeting.
I emphasized at some length the considerations which rendered Brazil’s inclusion in the protective scheme of vital importance and she indicated that she clearly understood the position and would undertake to send you a reply as early as possible.
I have since seen Prime Minister Gerbrandy who tells me in confidence that he found the Queen in a quandary over the question of including Brazil. She had reservations about conditions there and felt the Dutch people would not understand a joint occupation of Surinam by Brazilian troops. She had looked forward with enthusiasm to collaboration with the United States, but Brazil was another matter.
While there were difficulties to be overcome, Professor Gerbrandy said that both he and the Foreign Minister hoped it would be possible to find a formula which would meet the situation, for they both shared the Queen’s understanding of the President’s position in this matter. They were turning over in their minds the idea of whether a solution might be found in a Brazilian military mission, but no troops. I have pointed out to [apparent omission] the necessity of our course of avoiding any appearance of a discriminatory arrangement.
Professor Gerbrandy went on to say that the Government realizes the urgency of this matter; that he will try to assure a reply early next week; and that meanwhile he will keep me advised of progress.