740.00112 European War 1939/2: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in the Netherlands (Gordon)
69. Personal for the Minister. Your 143, August 30, 3 p.m. In the conversation to which you refer, the President expressed his interest should war break out in having kept open a so-called “neutral channel” from the Atlantic to the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp in order to afford a means whereby neutral shipping would have access to those ports without incurring danger. The President said that this Government would be willing to join with the other two Governments mentioned as well as with other neutral powers in joint representations to the belligerents for the purpose mentioned. If and when there are further developments in this regard, you will be informed.