Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

840.50/709: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

Washington, October 2, 1942.

4799. Please inform Sir Frederick Leith-Ross that his letter of September 4 relative post-war purchases by Norwegian, Dutch and Belgian Governments has been considered and that the Department agrees consideration must be given to placing overall limit on total stockpile purchases because accumulation of disproportionately large stocks may cause serious post-war shipping and supply problems. It is believed, however, that the extent of stockpile purchases can best be regulated administratively.

Please advise Sir Frederick Leith-Ross that the British Embassy in Washington will be informed of applications for post-war stockpile purchases and that no application will be referred to the Combined Boards for consideration prior to such notification.

Welles