File No. 656.119/119a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)
6142. From War Trade Board for Sheldon:
Regret exceedingly unavoidable delay in answering your cable December 11, No. 7923, to Jones at the request of Taylor.
We cannot accept proposal of the Netherlands Government contained therein. Pending the final agreement we propose as a temporary agreement that all Dutch ships now in American waters be discharged, except the eight ships from colonies, and chartered to the United States Shipping Board for a period up to the conclusion of the permanent agreement at the present American Chartering Committee rates. Part of this tonnage to be used for Belgian Relief and the balance for Allied needs outside of war zone. We cannot agree that any cargoes or vessels should go forward to Holland, except possibly cargo of coffee via S.S. Adonis, until general agreement is completed. In order that we may plan ahead for food supplies of Allies and neutral nations we urge prompt acceptance.
Please submit this proposition at once and wire us immediately Dutch answer.