711.569/11: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in the Netherlands (Tobin)
61. Your No. 66, December 5, 9 p.m. The Department has no objection to the announcement of the opening of negotiations but the form of the announcement as it has been suggested by the Minister for Foreign Affairs is not adequate. It goes no further than the question of the transportation of alcohol on Dutch vessels. The announcement should be broadened to state that
“Negotiations are in progress between the two countries with respect to the search and seizure of vessels carrying alcoholic liquors in violation of the laws of the United States Government and to the transit of alcoholic liquors on Dutch vessels through territorial waters of the United States when consisting of sealed stores or of cargo not destined for ports of the United States.”
This announcement will be made for publication here on December 10. Please arrange for like publication at The Hague.
Negotiations with the British Government are being concluded, and you should postpone further proceedings at The Hague for a few days. You will be instructed as promptly as possible regarding this matter and also regarding the letter sent you from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.