711.94/2323
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Adviser on Political Relations (Dunn)36
Baron van Boetzelaer, Minister Counselor of the Netherlands Legation, came in to see Mr. Atherton37 and myself today to say that the Minister of the Netherlands had asked him to come to the Department to inquire whether there was any information we could give the Legation with respect to the reported conversations between the American and Japanese Governments. The Minister Counselor said that the Netherlands Government were, of course, very much in favor of the maintenance of peace in the Pacific and hoped that some arrangements would be eventually arrived at which would avoid the extension of hostilities to the Far East. He went on to say, however, that the Netherlands Government were extremely interested in the economic aspects of the Far Eastern situation, that they were carrying out certain measures now which had a bearing on such important questions as petroleum and other products, and they were very anxious to be informed as soon as possible of any situation which might have an influence on the economic measures now in effect or planned in the Netherlands Indies.
Both Mr. Atherton and I informed Baron van Boetzelaer that for information with regard to the Far East we would suggest that he speak to Mr. Hamilton or Dr. Hornbeck. Baron van Boetzelaer said that he had spoken with Mr. Hamilton and Dr. Hornbeck from time [Page 455] to time but the Minister wished to have the desire of the Netherlands Government for information on the present situation in the Far East also laid before the offices concerned with European Affairs as well. We further added that we realized fully the interest of the Netherlands Government in developments in the Far East and that if we ever had any information which would be of interest to that Government we would take immediate steps to communicate with him.