Roosevelt Papers
The President to the Chief of Staff, United States Army (Marshall)
Memorandum for General Marshall
In view of the rather tense situation caused by the announcement of Wavell’s appointment, without prior approval by the Dutch Government in London, I am wondering if it would not relieve the tension a bit if you could—this afternoon—go over the list of the Dutch request for munitions of war and make some releases to them, even though they be very modest, such as some light tanks, depth charges and sub-machine guns.
I think it is very important in our own relations with the Dutch that they fully understand that we are going to do everything we possibly can for them.