740.00112 European War 1939/143: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in the Netherlands (Gordon)
100. Your 196, September 26, 11 a.m.40 The whole shipping question is in abeyance pending the outcome of the Congressional consideration of the neutrality question. We had a preliminary and informal conversation with the British regarding trade with neutral countries about 2 weeks ago but, following the receipt of the British blockade note, it became necessary to review the whole situation from the standpoint of our trade before resuming the conversations. This review has now been completed and we expect to make in the next day or so an oral statement to the British and to the diplomatic representatives here of several neutral governments including the Netherlands. We shall send you the substance of this statement as soon as [Page 750] it is made. You may communicate the foregoing to the Foreign Minister in the strictest confidence.