894.24/1343
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Controls (Yost)
Mr. J. S. Dent, Second Secretary of the British Embassy, called this morning to say that he understood that the Department is considering recommending further restrictions on petroleum exports, particularly to Japan, within a very few days. I replied that as he was, of course, aware the British Ambassador had taken the question of oil exports up with the Secretary early in the month and that a careful study was being made of the Ambassador’s suggestions. Mr. Dent said that he hoped that the Embassy would be consulted before any definite decision was taken. He remarked that the Dutch are worried about the effect which further restrictions might have on the negotiations with the Japanese for a renewal of the Netherlands Indies oil agreement which expires May 1. He added that the Dutch Foreign Minister40 [Page 800] hopes to call on Dr. Hornbeck for the second time in the near future and that he will take this question up during that call. I assured Mr. Dent that I would keep him informed of developments in regard to this question.
- E. N. van Kleffens.↩