File No. 855.48/595
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4.12 p.m.]
6249. Relief commission request that following be communicated to Hoover:
10, Tuesday. (Communicate also New York.) Your 343.1 Withholding vessels based on German violations long time under discussion; no arguments but difficult to get action, apparently due to lack of cooperation between Admiralty and Foreign Office. Finally advised [Page 664] by Foreign Office, May 5, all vessels released, sailings resumed. Could get no further communication until 12th, when Admiralty advised had not released, did not propose release vessels. Matter again vigorously presented by Belgian, French Governments. Page on 14th advised unofficially two vessels released and further releases will be made as considered safe by Admiralty. We understand 55,000 tons, 13 vessels, held Halifax. Average delay 17 days per vessel, equivalent already loss 224 days demurrage; at least 30,000 tons irreplaceable loss to Belgian, French populations already on the verge of starvation. We consider action Admiralty unwarranted by circumstances and protesting in most vigorous manner. Poland, Relief Commission.
- Not printed.↩