Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The Far East, Volume IV

756D.94/63: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Batavia (Foote)

Washington, September 11, 1940—7 p.m.

Your September 5, 3 p.m. The Department has noted with gratification the statements of the Director of Economic Affairs which you mention in your telegram under reference.

As the authorities of the Netherlands East Indies are aware, the situation in southeastern Asia is one which for some time has been followed with the closest attention by this Government as evidenced by the Secretary’s statements of April 17,⁷⁰ May 11⁷¹ and September 4⁷² in regard to the maintenance of the statics quo of the Pacific area, with particular reference to the Netherlands East Indies and French Indochina.

While, as indicated in the Secretary’s statement of April 17, many countries, including the United States, depend substantially upon the Netherlands East Indies for some important essential commodities, our interest in the maintenance of the status quo in the Pacific area in general arises out of and is part of the general policy which this Government endeavors constantly and consistently to pursue of respect for the status quo except as changes may be and are brought about through orderly process with due consideration for the rights and interests of all concerned. This policy we believe to be sound; we endeavor to pursue it in the entirety of our foreign relations; and we recommend it unreservedly to all other governments and peoples. We believe that the authorities of the Netherlands East Indies favor it in principle and we hope that they will continue to favor it in practice.

We hope that the Netherlands East Indies authorities will continue to keep you fully informed of pertinent developments in order that this Government may be in position to give appropriate consideration, within the framework of its established policies, to problems of common or mutual interest. Especially in the economic field, this Government would be prepared to give consideration to possible helpful action in regard to economic problems which might arise as a consequence of the cutting off of the Netherlands East Indies from normal markets and sources of supply and in connection with which this Government might practicably be helpful.

Please seek an occasion to communicate the substance of the above to the Director of Economic Affairs and other appropriate officials.

In reference especially to the conference regarding petroleum and related questions in which on the commercial side American interests are concerned and are participating, we suggest that you maintain close contact with the American representatives, informing them that you would appreciate being kept informed of progress and important developments, that you are instructed informally to render appropriate assistance, and that you have been asked and will expect to report to the Department, but stating that your Government does not wish to intrude or, unless need should develop for official assistance, to appear in the picture. We believe that Mr. Kay fully understands our attitude and shares our views regarding potentialities of the situation and ways and means adapted to serving American policy and safeguarding American interests. His principals are keeping us informed of the news which they receive and their views, and are thoroughly cooperative.

Hull

70. Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. ii, p. 281.
71. Ibid., p. 285.
72. Department of State Bulletin, September 7, 1940, p. 196.