File No. 656.119/359
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 18, 4.06 a.m.]
2334. Despite Loudon’s statement in the Second Chamber yesterday, which was based on the British Government’s note of March 22 informing the Dutch Government in the name of the Associated Governments of the decision to requisition Dutch ships and giving an undertaking that Dutch ships which should leave Dutch ports after March 21 should not be brought into Allied services, except [under] agreements with the owners, and despite your statement under point 6, in your 1070, March 29, 6 p.m., which has been published, [Page 1465] as well as other references to the same point, there is still some doubt here in regard to the three ships that are to leave simultaneously with the departure of the Hollandia, Java, and Juno. The general as well as the official understanding is that our assurances in regard to Dutch ships leaving Dutch ports after March 21 are unequivocal and include these three ships as well as all others not taken over prior to March 21. I respectfully request your confirmation of this understanding.
The situation has been greatly improved by the publication of your 112, 13th [1102, 12th],1 and the existing antagonistic feeling tends to be directed against Germany and away from us. If there is a mistake made as to these three ships, I consider our chances of maintaining a belief here in our assurances and good faith is pretty well gone.