800.85/7–2044: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 20—4:52 p.m.]
5764. For Berle and Land, WSA, from Shipping Delegation. At second meeting of Shipping Conference today the delegates expressed complete approval of paragraph 1 of the “Memorandum of Principles” and general agreement, both [with?] but few questions of detail, to paragraphs 2, 4, 5 and 6.
In the discussion on paragraph 3, the Belgium, Netherlands and Norwegian delegates expressed considerable concern over the definition of “non-essential services” and “non-essential cargoes” and raised the question of who would determine what such services and cargoes are. The Norwegian delegate asked a specific question as to who makes the decision in case of a conflict between military aims and supply needs of the liberated countries.
The Netherlands and Norwegian delegations are tentatively reserving concurrence in these principles pending some assurance that essential civil requirements of their people upon liberation will be met. While the use of this argument raises questions not entirely relevant to the subject matter of this Conference and which are beyond the purview of the Conference, nevertheless it would be helpful if we could be authorized to make some general statement which would give assurance that the fears of these governments are not well founded. As exile Governments they are obviously worried about accounting to their people on this point. We do not anticipate making such a statement unless absolutely necessary and then only after consultation with the British. In this connection it is believed that the considerations raised in the Embassy’s 7538, October 30, 7 p.m.31 are germane.