894.24/1318a
The Secretary of State to the Chairman of the United States Maritime Commission ( Land )
My Dear Admiral Land: The Department understands that there presently exists an inadequate supply of tanker tonnage to meet present global demands for this type of vessel. The Department understands also that the Commission recently has taken steps looking toward a more efficient utilization of shipping controlled by American citizens. The Department understands further that a considerable number of foreign flag tankers owned by American citizens are operating in a trade in the Pacific which would seem to be of unnecessarily large proportions.
In view of this situation, the Department believes, and suggests, that you may wish to give consideration to the possibility of influencing the employment of foreign flag tankers owned by American citizens toward causing them to be operated in trades which may best serve this country’s national defense needs.
The Department would also appreciate there being borne carefully in mind its opinion that this subject should at all times be considered as a strictly confidential matter and that any approaches which may be made to American owners of the vessels in question should be effected on an informal and oral basis.
Sincerely yours,
Assistant Secretary