File No. 656.119/903a
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain ( Laughlin)
2811. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 1616. British Embassy have presented cable from Lord Robert Cecil to Mr. McCormick stating that on account of serious political and economic situation in Holland, it is felt general agreement must be immediately concluded, and in order to permit of an immediate announcement in Holland that supplies may be expected shortly, British have agreed after consultation with you that Dutch shipping may sail at once to approved destinations for the purpose of Lifting cargoes of foodstuffs for Holland approved by A[llied] B[lockade] C[ommittee] and to be consigned to N[etherlands] O[versea] T[rust].
Mr. McCormick is replying to the effect in substance that we are prepared to see Dutch ships sent for foodstuffs to the United States as being the nearest point of supply and that we are prepared to license and facilitate the export of such foodstuffs on the conditions mentioned in Lord Cecil’s cable. It is added, however, that it is felt that this acquiescence on our part will permit that public announcement in Holland which is judged necessary to ameliorate existing situation, and that there is no reason why the formal agreement should be pressed to a conclusion prior to our having adequate opportunity to consider the same fully.