840.50/392
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Assistant Secretary of State (Acheson)
Mr. Noel Hall13 called at his request. He said that he had two urgent telegrams from Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, to which he wished to reply at the earliest moment.
[Page 99]Sir Frederick Leith-Ross reported that the Dutch Government, through a Mr. Van Stork, was purchasing in the United States and South America supplies of linseed, wheat, lard, and leather which they proposed to hold in stock for post war relief. The Norwegians had sent to South America a Mr. Heede to explore the possibilities of purchasing stocks for post war use. Both Governments had said to Sir Frederick that they had been in touch with the American authorities, who had no objection to these activities. The Belgian authorities had stated to Sir Frederick that they were prepared to stand out against any immediate purchasing, but they could not wait very long if other governments were going to engage in these efforts.
Sir Frederick asks whether it is correct so far as we know that the Dutch or Norwegian Government has been in touch with any American authorities who have acquiesced in their program. I replied that to the best of my knowledge they had not, but that I would inquire further and will let Mr. Hall know.
Sir Frederick Leith-Ross also reported in the telegram that he thought these activities were a plain indication of restlessness because of the lack of progress of the general relief proposals and hoped that progress could be made soon. In informal conversations he gathered from the Dutch and Norwegians that, as a temporary arrangement and pending some definitive settlement of the relief program, the Dutch and Norwegians would be willing either to consult with the British and American Governments before making purchases or to have purchases made for them by some joint buying agency of the British and American Governments, and would also agree that any commodities purchased might be used by the Combined Raw Materials Board, subject to being replaced after the war. He gathered from the Belgians that they would be willing to put the entire matter in the hands of the British and American Governments on the basis of some understanding that supplies purchased would be sent to Europe on a “needs” basis. Sir Frederick believes that the entire matter might be temporarily held if he were able to say to these Governments that the British and American Governments were in consultation on the matter and would shortly make some proposals. He added, however, that he did not wish to make these recommendations unless some elucidation of them could be forthcoming within a reasonably short time.
I told Mr. Noel Hall that I would confer with the Acting Secretary and would get in touch with Mr. Hall as soon thereafter as possible.
- British Minister.↩