103.9164: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
London, September 20,
1944.
[Received September 20—4:55 p.m.]
[Received September 20—4:55 p.m.]
7790. To Land for Conway and Morse from Reed by Chubb.
- 1.
- Present proposal as to French and Danes is that we keep them fully informed to the extent of letting them see all formal papers and minutes and in addition that we discuss situation with them from time to time, only reservation is that they cannot as non-signatories have observer at meeting. Allison concurs.
- 2.
- As to cargo vessels or tankers required for military purposes on time charter basis, British suggest we explore with Allies the following basis: First we ask each signatory to contribute without charge a certain quota of tonnage for military purposes as their contribution to the war against Japan; second, that as to any requirements above that quota a fair and reasonably full time charter rate be tendered. It is the feeling of the British that for a given aggregate cost in charter hire we would have less trouble in our negotiations by tendering an attractive rate on vessels over the quota than by paying hire at a lower rate on all vessels. We feel this proposal distinctly advantageous to us both from point of view of narrowing or eliminating any gap between world time charter and American time charter rates and from point of view of maintaining a relatively full overall time charter rate as a basis for voyage charter rates which would be helpful in supporting American flag costs. In absence of any instructions from you, we will proceed to explore this basis but pending such exploration cannot be sure of the success we will meet. [Reed.]
Winant