856d.6363/88: Telegram

The Minister in the Netherlands ( Phillips ) to the Secretary of State

58. Foreign Office reply to my note 151 of April 19th last23 in regard to participation American interests Djambi oil fields just received. After insisting that Netherlands legislation makes no [Page 542] distinction between Dutch and foreign capital in exploitation of oil fields and desire of Government to see American capital therein, the Minister for Foreign Affairs reiterates that when, in January last, I requested on behalf of American Government permission to participate in Djambi concession, the law as now passed by the second chamber had already been drafted and question settled pending Parliament’s approval. The Minister for Foreign Affairs then discusses participation American capital in Bataafsche, saying this must however be subject to approval of Dutch Government. He concludes with argument that rich oil fields other than Djambi exist in Sumatra and Borneo and that the Minister of Colonies would gladly make similar contract for their exploitation by companies other than the Bataafsche.

In acknowledging note I called Minister for Foreign Affairs’ attention to representations made by me in 1920, notably my note number 92 September 7th24 (See my despatch 385 December 4th25).

Note sent by the pouch today.24

Phillips
  1. See telegram no. 49, Apr. 25, from the Minister in the Netherlands, p. 536.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Foreign Relations, 1920, vol. iii, p. 288.
  4. Not printed.