File No. 855.48/482
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6.30 p.m.]
5819. Following for Hoover from Relief Commission:
Your 209, February 2. We feel we should liquidate present basis at once, carrying on work as before under American control to Rotterdam, basing withdrawal Belgium, France on impossibility carry out guarantees and obligations necessitated by diminished privileges and interruption of our service by the Germans, otherwise psychological moment likely to pass when we can retire as a body. We believe Germans are using dilatory tactics for purpose complicating shipping situation and forcing British action unloading cargoes which will enable them to make reprisals, possibly ending relief, and by clever compromises with our director Belgium, France get us in position where we can not charge withdrawal to them. Spanish Ambassador contends that after our withdrawal the Spanish are the commission; Allied Governments practically accept this view against our emphatic disclaimer. Advise position to be taken this question, action in the event of failure of Allies to furnish increased subsidies, and what assistance possible from the United States. Chevrillon in accord.
Relief Commission