Ask the Scholar

Document scope · 1 page
doc
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory. For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.

Scholar Source Context

Document identity
localId
16618687
label
Netherlands, 1940-1941
core
doc
dtoType
document
pageCount
1
Source metadata
Source extras
naId
16618687
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
7f0989d64dbd90bc
ocrText
PSF Nether lands 1940-41 naturlands COPY January 14, 1940. MEMO: By telephone from Secretary Hull THE PRESIDENT "The Netherlands Legation has received a telegram from the Hague, to the effect that their information as well as that of Belgium is that a German attack on the low countries is to be expected sometime this week." Tel and Tel ab ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON In reply refer to PR 811.001 Roosevelt, F.D./6619 February 29. 1940 My dear Miss LeHand: I am forwarding herewith a sealed letter addressed to the President by Her Majesty the Queen of the Nether- lands, which was received under cover of a note dated February 27, 1940, from the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Netherlands in Washington. A copy of the Legation's note is also enclosed herewith. Sincerely yours, Chief of Protocol. Enclosures: Sealed letter; Copy of note. Miss Marguerite A. LeHand, Private Secretary to the President, The White House. ROYAL NETHERLANDS LEGATION Washington, 27 February 1940. No. 1026. Sir: I have the honor to enclose an autograph letter from Her Majesty the sueen, my Gracious Sovereign, to the President of the United States of America. I should highly appreciate 11" Your Excellency would kindly grant your intermediacy so that the enclosed letter shall reach its destination. Please accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. (sgè) W. van Rechteren The Honorable The Secretary or State Washington, D.C. the Hague y/a 1940 My dear Mr. Gresident, I was very louched by your kind lefter and by the offer I deeply appreciate. - of the to you made which my children worst and should happen their plan is bring their children a safe place more south from to where southern harbons they could easilyproced a safe selves Ayrur very kind offer. - sfan the other might prove safe, May might begin by maling a longer slay there. - My much Hee children and Yalso appreciate very kindness andhorpitality of your mother and Mrs Roosevelt Meenwhile Theyn thatqublic opinion in the United Hales will, alive to the monstrons wature of lu under your guidance, Email attack of one of the big belligerenbe on neural countries. desire to do whalevers infersible Jam viry glad to hear of yous to restore peace. - Be assured flas your effirts lowards this end.wire have my whole hearbed support. Reachious after Hillers Mr. 30 seem b show that public opinion is aware to whaterfulus bersailles is people. Their commerifiar thata Hill a mightmare to the to to me a must serious obshacle in the is the real object of the allies, appear wayof a lashing peace and of that will have then to lr the solution of the manyproblure selled. - At the same line Ifeel lure that fortunately there are Statesmen who fealise this importantporent Hoping to have werre line the pleasure of muching Mrs. Roosevels and you, my children and of regards send you bothour gradeful yours Willing sincerely (Copy) Feb. The Hague 7/2 1940 My dear Mr. President, I was very touched by your kind letter and by the offer you made which my children and I deeply appreciate. If the worst should happen, their plan is to bring their children at first to a safe place more south from where they could easily proceed to a safe southern harbour and avail themselves of your very kind offer. If on the other hand their first place might prove safe, they might begin by making a longer stay there. My children and I also appreciate very much the kindness and hospitality of your mother and Mrs. Roosevelt. Meanwhile I hope that public opinion in the United States will, under your guidance, remain alive to the monstrous nature of an attack of one of the big belligerents on neutral countries. I am very glad to hear of your desire to do what ever is possible to restore peace. Be assured that your efforts towards this end will have my whole-hearted support. Reactions outside Germany after Mr. Hitler' S speech of January 30 seem to show that public opinion is not sufficiently aware to what extent Versailles is still a nightmare to the whole German people. Their common fear that a settlement similar to that of 1918 is the real object of the allies, appears to me a most serious obstacle in the way of a lasting peace and of the solution of the many problems that will have then to be settled. At the same time I feel sure that fortunately there are statesmen who realise this important point. Hoping to have some time the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Roosevelt and you, my children and I send you both our grateful regards Yours sincerely (Signed) Wilhelmina & A 11. s OF EA THE 741, STATE = 5. il 2 The attached letter to Queen Wilhelmina was sent Dec 19, 1939 and not Dec 4, 1939. DRAFT OF LETTER DICTATED BY THE PRESIDENT TO BE WRITTEN LONGHAND December 4, 1939. My dear Queen Wilhelmina:- The situation of The Netherlands -- the country of my ancestors -- seems for the time being more secure than when I telegraphed you several weeks ago. I can only hope and pray that as this dreadful war goes on there will be no future crisis which threatens the independence and the integrity of your nation. However, none of us can be certain in these days when normal and friendly international relations are so completely subject to the whim of small groups of fantastic people to whom nothing is sacred. Therefore, I want you to feel wholly free at any moment to act on the very wholehearted and sincere desire of my wife and myself to do anything for your family which may be of assistance to you and yours. It 1s natural that both you and I should think much of our grandchildren and their preservation from the very serious dangers of modern warfare. Should you consider it best for them to be away from the scene of dangers, I can, at a moment's notice, send a cruiser to a safe point to take them and their attendants on board and bring them to these com- paratively safe shores -- and, of course, it would be delightful also to welcome the Princess Juliana, should she decide to come with them. You, my good friend, I know will want to stick by the ship. the Brince Consort We should be delighted to have them with us at the White House or at our country place on the Hudson River where my Mother, who is eighty-five years old, would be very happy to take care of them. -2- Some day I shall hope to have the great privilege of meeting you. You do not know it but the only time I have seen you was when we were both children -- and you were driving in one of the parks at The Hague. With my sincere regards, I am, Faithfully yours, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT = THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 15, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE What do you propose to reply to the enclosed? F. D. R. Dispatch from the Minister to The Hague dated April 13, 1940 asking the President to send a message to the Queen. THE THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 18, 1940. KENNEDY SECRET FOR THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS. I need not tell you that I am proud of the splendid resistance put up by your armed foroes against impossible odds. I do not minimize the splendid possibility that the foroes of aggression may yet be repelled on the Continent but if because of inhuman bombing of England it becomes advisable for you and your family to come to the United States please do not hesitate to advise me. I think today the best exit is via Ireland and I can send a cruiser or merchant ship with convoy to Irish port but naturally at least a week advance notice is necessary. We can keep in touch via Ambassador Kennedy in London or Minister David Gray in Dublin, who is my cousin. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT PSE Natherlands COPY May 18, 1940. KENNEDY SECRET FOR THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS I need not tell you that I am proud of the splendid resistance put up by your armed forces against impossible odds. I do not minimize the splendid possibility that the forces of aggression may yet be repelled on the Continent but if because of inhuman bombing of England it becomes advisable for you and your family to come to the United States please do not hesitate to advise me. I think today the best exit is via Ireland and I can send n. cruiser or merchant ship with convoy to Irish port but naturally at least 8. week advance notice is necessary. We can keep in touch via Ambassador Kennedy in London or Minister David Gray in Dublin, who is my cousin. Franklin D. Roosevelt In the Queens reply of may 20, 1940 to this memo. bee:- Famous People - Dramer 3- 1940 P5F Netherlands London, May 21, 1940. Dear Mr. President: I refer to my telegram of to-day (No.1294 to the Department of State) transmitting the text of the reply of the Queen of the Netherlands to your message. I now enclose the original copy of this reply, signed by Queen Wilhelmina, which I know you will want to have. Respectfully yours, Joe Enclosure: as stated. The President, The White House, Washington. PSF Netherlands SECRET MESSAGE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES I am very grateful for your personal message which the Ambassador of the United States brought me this afternoon. Your appreciation of the splendid resistance of my armed forces against overwhelming numbers of enemy troops deeply touched me. In this appreciation everyone will join who realises the superhuman effort they made. Your kind consideration of my personal welfare and that of my family is a great comfort to me in these days of stress. If circumstances should call for it - may God forbid its necessity - I will not fail to remember your generous initiative. Wilming May 20th, 1940. THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE PSF: WASHINGTON May 7, 1940 My dear Mr. President: In the belief that it will be of interest to you, I am transmitting herewith a copy of a confidential despatch from our Embassy in Caracas dated April 27, last. Believe me Tells Enclosure: No. 298, April 27, 1940, from Caracas, Venezuela. The President, The White House. EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA No. 298 Caracas, April 27, 1940. SUBJECT: Possible threats to the islands of Curacao and Aruba CONFIDENTIAL The Honorable The Secretary of State, Washington. Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Department's tele- gram No. 32 of April 18, 4 p.m., and to inform the Department that the information contained therein was given to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in accordance with the Department's instructions. For what interest it may have, two brief conversations recently held con- cerning the subject of possible threats to the islands of Curacao and Aruba are reported as follows. A short time ago the assistant manager of the Standard 011 Company at Aruba called at the Embassy to pay his respects to the Ambassador. He took occasion to express considerable concern at the vulnerability of Aruba. He stated that his company still had in its employ about 55 Germans who might at any moment do irreparable harm through sabotage. He said that the local manager of the Company wished to get rid of these Germans but that for some reason which he did not understand his principals in New York were opposed to their discharge. The Dutch authorities also, in their endeavor to create no possible cause for offense to Germany, were urging the retention of these men. He added that the men were being closely watched -2- and that the surveillance had revealed the fact that they had been plotting with Nazi groups. A few days ago Mr. Van Schreven, Chargé d'Affaires of the Netherlands in Caracas, called at the Embassy after returning from a short trip to the United States. He stated that he had looked into conditions in Curacao while his steamer was in port there. He said that there were about 900 soldiers available on the two islands for their defense, about 600 of whom were on the island of Curacao. These troops consisted of the local Dutch Marines and Dutch citizens who were allowed to perform their military duty at Curacao rather than return to Holland. He said that the defenses had been strength- ened around Willemstad and that there were coast guns at the other end of the island as well. He discounted the possibility of trouble from German residents, saying that everyone was closely watched, nor did he appear to feel that there was much danger from some filibustering attack, as he thought such an attack could be easily repelled. He said that should Germany invade Holland the Dutch islands would not declare their independence as Iceland had done. Question further he admitted that this assumption was based on the idea that Holland would not be completely overrun by Germany so that there would be always a responsible Dutch Government to which the islands could report. Respectfully yours, WINTHROP R. SCOTT Chargé d'Affaires ad interim PSF COPY May 24, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR HON. SUMNER WELLES Do you think it would be all right to send the following messages via Berlin-- even if the Germans do read them? 1. To John Cudahy, Brussels You and yours are much in my thoughts and I am proud of you. 2. To Gordon, the Hague -- same message 3. How About a personal message to Daisy Harriman -- same message. All to be signed Franklin D. Roosevelt. F.D.R. fdr/tmb (For original memo and Welles answer of the same date) See:Welles folder-Drawer 1-1940 PSF Athands Royal' Netherlands Legation. Washington D.C. June 7th 1940. No. 4506. The Netherlands Legation has the honor to inform the Department of State that the following telegram was received : PLEASE FORWARD FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT. ON OCCASION SIXHUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY FOUNDATION ROTTERDAM UNDERSIGNED REPRESENTING ALL COMMUNITIES IN NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES STRONGLY PROTEST AGAINST RUTHLESS SLAUGHTER TEN THOUSAND NONCOMBATANTS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING BARBAROUS DESTRUCTION ROTTERDAM NOTWITHSTANDING YOUR APPEAL TO HITLER NOT TO ATTACK OPEN TOWNS - SORJONO MEMBER COUNCIL OF INDIES JONKMAN CHAIRMAN PEOPLES COUNCIL VANBUTTINGHA WICHERS PRESIDENT JAVASCHE BANK RITMAN CHIEF EDITOR BATAVIAASCH NIEUWSBLAD." If the Department of State sees no objection the Netherlands Legation should appreciate it if the abovemen- tioned telegraphic message could be transmitted to President Roosevalt. VR/E. The Department of State Washington D.C. Tab PSF ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. fill DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON In reply refer to June 21, 1940 PR My dear General Watson: I am enclosing herewith a copy of a note from the Netherlands Legation quoting a telegram received from representatives of all communities in the Nether- lands East Indies protesting against the bombing of noncombatents in open towns. An appropriate acknowledgment has been addressed to the Legation. Sincerely yours, Chief of Protocol. Enclosure: From the Netherlands Legation, June 7, 1940. Brigadier General Edwin M. Watson, Secretary to the President, The White House. PSF Nalkertands The Queen Wilhelmina Fund, Inc. HOLLAND HOUSE 10 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, NEW YORK CITY TELEPHONE CIRCLE 5-6383 MRS. VINCENT AFTOR HON. ALFRED E. SMITH THOMAS S. LAMONT Honorary Chairmen MRS. JAMES ROOSEVELT MRS. CORNELIUS VANDERBILT Honorary Vice-Chairmen HON. RICHARD M. TOBIN HENDRIK WILLEM VAN LOON, Chairman WILLEM VAN DOORN, President DR. R. D. VAN ROIJEN, Secretary SHEPARD MORGAN, Treasurer Poughkeepsie, N. Y. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LEON FRASER, Chairman June 21, 1940 ARTHUR A. BALLANTINE, Vice-Chairman J. A. DE LANOY, Vice-Chairman H. R. JOLLES, Vice-Chairman ADRIAAN J. BARNOUW CANDLER Com HAROLD DE WOLF FULLER Mas. EDGAR LEONARD Jilersonal LEWIS E PIERSON J. WARNER PRINS J. VANDEREWALM Doaus VAN ITALLIE The Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt President of the United States Hyde Park New York Dear Mr. President:- For centuries the people of the Netherlands and the House of Orange have stood for and lived in defense of the principles of individual and re- ligious freedom. At the outbreak of the War, Queen Wilhelmina and her Government announced & national policy of strict neutrality and offered their services to find & basis for the re-establishment of peace between the warring nations. The German invasion brought a sudden and tragic end to these endeavors. After a short but heroic struggle against insurmountable odds, the peace- loving people of Holland which cradled the spirit of European liberty have had to yield authority over their homeland to the invading armies. Today, eight and a half million Hollanders have been deprived of their normal sources of income. Most of them are in the Old Country but thou- sands of others are stranded in all parts of the world and are completely cut off from their resources. Their plight is desperate. To meet their urgent and immediate needs and help relieve their physical suffering and mental anguish, & national committee has been formed in the United States to raise and administer The Queen Wilhelmina Fund, Inc. Ac- cording to present estimates, $3,000,000 is considered the minimum amount The SPONSORS' COMMITTEE How. FIORELLO H. LA GUARDIA, Honorary Chairman THOMAS J. WATSON, Chairman FRANK GRESWOLD HALL GERARD Swore Mas. WINTHSOF W. ALORICH Mas. A. BARTON Harovas FLORIS W. TEA MEVLEN WINTHROP W. ALDRICH CHARLES Hooves FENTON II. TURCK, Ja. O. L ALEXANDER WILLIAM W. Horrin A. L VAN AMERINGEN Mas. BENJAMIN WALWORTH ARNOLD FLOTE KEELER Box, ARTHUR H. VANDENBRAC JAMES G. BLAINE HENRY Hunson KITSON R. G. A. VAN DER Wouns Hos. Cuaris Box CORNELIUS G. KOLFF Mas. WILLEM VAN Doors LINDSAY BRADPORD Ds LANCEY KOUNTER TERTIUS VAN Dyes Da. NICHOLAS MURRAY BUTLER Mas. JAMES Lass LAIDLAW BARONESS J. C. VAN Eca Mas. LEWIS LATHAM CLARKE HENRY R. Luca Paor. H. S. VAN KLOOSTER ROYAL CORTISSOZ GATES W. McGannan Miss FLORENCE VAN REMIRELARE Jons JAY CONNINGHAM, Ja. CLARK MINOR Mas. ADRIAN VAN SINDEREN WILLIAM L Da Bost Mas. Jonn MOTLEY MORRHEAD VAN VECHTEN VERDER J. A. DE LANOY Mas. EDGERTON PARSONS GRORGE K. WERES Da. W. H. S. DEMARKST R. H. POTTER FRANCIS M. WELD Cot. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN WILLIAM GORHAM RICE ARTHUR WENDELL CORNELIUS W. DESSELHUTS Jonn M. SCHIPF WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE Mas. ANNA VANDERBOGART Easax GROBGE C. SHARP Da. WYMANT WICHERS F. Assor Gooduce EDWARD R. STRETINIUS, Ja. GROBGE W. WOLF JOSEPH R. SWAN WOMEN'S COMMITTEE THE DOWAGES BARONESS GEVERE, Honorary Chairman Mas. EDGAR LEONARD, Chairman Mas. MORGAN ALDRICH Mas. H. LEHMAN HAUFT Mas. A. CHARLES SCHWARTZ Mas. HENRY J. ALEXANDRE, Ja. Mas. JACK HERMA Mas. H. NELSON SLATES Mas. JULES ANDRE Mas. MARIA Halparso-Byn Mas. E.T. STOWE Mas. F. C. ARONSTEIN Mas. GROBGE G. HENRY Mas. Drago SUANEZ Mas. Gosson AUCHINCLOSS Mas. PARMILY W. HERRICK, Ja. Mas. COCHEAN SUPPLEE Mas. MORTINA AUSTICE Mas. ALFRED F. Hass Mas. JOHANNA VAN GYTENBEEK Suca Mas. F. CLEVELAND BACON Mas. WILLIAM E. Has Miss JRANNETTE SWAAB-VAN STRAATEN Mas. GRORGE C, BARCLAY Mas. GRORGE His Mas. HENRY TALLMADGE Mas. ADRIAAN J. HARMOUW Mas. ALFRED HOOGEMAN Mas. FREDERICK C. TANNER Mrss Etsa BARNOUW Mas. YAM ROOSEN HOOGENDYK Mas. KENNETH TAYLOR Mas. W. R. Balk Mas. CHARLES L. HOOVER Mas. Jonx TRE-VAN Mas. HEMAY BENKARD Mas. WILLIAM W. Horrix Miss FRANCES VAN N. TELLMAN Mas. CONRAP BERENS Mas. WALTER HOVING Mas. ARTHUR TERRY Mas. WYLLYS R. BETTS Mas. DEERING Hows Mas. ADDT TER-VIXA Mas. CONSTANT BIENFAIT Mas. GEORGE K. Houston Mas. SIGGURNEY THATES Mas. HARRY PAYNE BINGHAM Mas. DAM HURRENT Miss Los THORNE Mas. CHARLES A. BLACKWELL Mas. ALLSTON ISELIN Mas. RICHARD M. TORIN Mas. MEREDITH BLAGDEN Miss AUDREY JACKSON Mas. Pear TRAFFORD Mas. WOLCOTT BLAIR Mrs. HERMAN JACORSON Mas. CHRISTINA W. TUCKER Mas. ROBERT Woons BLISS Mas. HENDRIK R. JOLLES Mas. FENTON B, Tuack Mas. GRONGE BLUMENTHAL Mas. R. ROELOR JONKER Mas. FENTOM B. Tuack, Ja. Mas. EDWARD Boins Mas. JAN JUTA BARONESS VAN BORTIELARE Mas. ADOLFRE HOISERVATN PRINCESS TREATN KHAN KAPLANOFF Miss JEANNE VAN DEN Bosca Mas. FREDERICK HOISERVAIN Mas. A. E. KRESING Mas. JOHANNES A. L. VAN DEN Boscu Mas. GIDRON C. J. BOISSEVATN Mas. ALFRED KODGEMAU Mas. PIETER VAN DEN Tooks Mas. JAN Boox Miss R. KORSLAC Mas. A. C. VANDER BEST Mas, ALBERT BORIE Mas. P. J. KOOTMAN Mas. CALVIN VANDERLIP Mas. E. B. BOURING Mas. REYNOLD J. KOOMANS Mas. FRANK A. VANDERLIP Mas. FRANCIS T. Boys COUNTRIS KOTZERUE Miss NELLY VAN DER MEVIRN Miss REIN BREDIUS Mas. W. M. KRASSE Miss MARGARET LANGETER VAN Data Mrss PHYLLIS BREWSTER Mrss RUTH LAMBERT Mas. WILLEM VAN Doors Mas. A. BROCHES Mas. LAMAR R. LEARY Mas. 1. Prema VAN DYKE Mas. DAVID K. E. Bauce Mas. STEPHEN LEHMAN Miss AGNES VAN Ecx Mas. DUNCAM BULKLEY Miss KARIN LETDEN BARONESS J. C. VAN EcK Mas. ARTHUR EDWARD BYE Mas. E. M. LISTER Mas. MAURICE VAN GELDER Mas. S. ROGER CALLAWAY Mas. L. SPANJAARD Losses Mas. Doaus VAN ITALLIE Mrss MARTHA L. CATE Mas. J. M. L. MADURO Mas. JAN A. VAN LAER, Ja. Mas. ROBERT LIVINGSTON CLARKSON Mas. HELEX MAGRE Mas. HENDRIX WILLEM VAN Loos Miss MAUDE CLEMENTS Mas. RALFH MALTRY Mrss RELA VAN MEASEL Mas. CANDLER Coss Miss AMABEL MAYO-SMITH Mas. HARRY B. VAN OVERVERN Mas. L. H. CONKLIN Mas. FRANCES McCluan Mas. DAVID VAN PELT Mas. PHILIP CONKLIN Mas. SARAH McCassy Mas. WILLIAM J. VAN REENEN Mas. WILLIAM CONKLIN Mas. Jonn WYCKOFF METTLER Mas. MARIE B. VAN RENNES Miss JULIA K. CONVERSE Miss JOSTNA MAYJES Miss FLORENCE VAN RENESELARR Miss JOSEPHINE Corr Mas. FRANK KING MILLER Mas. ROBERT D. YAM ROIJEN Mas. THAYER CUMMINGS Mas. J. J. GUNTHER Moma Mas. T. CORNEN VAN S'GRAVESLOOT Mas. A. D'Aguis Mas. A. A. Mos Mas. JAN VAN STAPPEN Mas. HOWLAND S. DAVIS Mas. BENJAMIN Moors Mas. Kees VAN STOLE Mas. ADRIANE DEBAUTS Mas. Jonx MOTLEY MORRITRAD Mas. C. VAN STRATEN Miss PAULINE DE CHELMINERS Mas. LEWIS SPENCER MORRIS Mas. L YAN VIIIIS VAN VEEN Mas. ROBERT DE GREEFF Mrss MADELINE Morns Mas. LOUISA VAN WEREL Mas. CORNELLES M. DE Joma Mas. R. N. MURRAY Mas. Lovis YAM ZELM ALRA EUGENE L. DELAFIELD, Ja. Mas. Jorr NICOLAS Mas. VAN VECHTEN VERDER Mas. I. A. DE LANOY Mrss MARJORY E. NIEUWENHUIS Mas. CHARLES VELTMAN Miss GAY DE PESTERS Mas. ELISABETH NORTON Mas. ANNIE VERLOGE Mas. JOSEPH Wast DIXON Miss A. FASSI OVERDUIN Mas. ALEXANDER O. VIETER Mrss ADRIANA DORMAN Mas. DOUGLAS PAIGE Mas. JOSEPH A. VORLEER Mas. NELSON DOUBLEDAY Mas. MARGARET PAINE Mas. A. PHILIPPE von HEMENT Mrs. CORNELIUS DRESSELHUTS Mas. RUSHMORE PATTERSON Mas. Easest WAGNER Mas. HENRY Devs Da. CLARENCE PERRY Mas. ERNEST WALLACH Mas. JOHANNA Suca ESSINGE Mas. DaWner PETERSIN Mas. JEAN WALTHER Miss SUBETTE N. ENTROVEN Mas. R. S. PIERREPONT, Ja. Mas. SURANNE WASSON-TUCKER Mas. LINE M. A. EVANS Mas. R. STUTVERANT PIEREEPONT Mas. Boys WATSON Mas. MALCOLM FARMER Mas. WARWICK PORTER Mas. GROBGE WELSH Mas. Drax Foçu Mas. J. W. PRINS Mas. A. C. WENTHOLT Mas. WILSON P. Foss, Ja. Mas. ROBERT D. PAUTS Miss EDITH WETMORE Miss SUSANNE FRIEDMANN Mas. EMERSON B. Quana Miss MAUDE WETMORE Mas. DOUGLAS FROM Miss LOUISE C. RAPELJE Mas. Jonn WHEELER Mas. FREDERICK FROTHINGHAM Mrss ELIMARETH REMIEN Mrss Louise WHITEHOUSE Mas. HAROLD = Word FULLER Mas. PHILIP KIP RHINKLANDER Mas. EMERSON WHITHORNE Mas. w. D. GAILLARD Mas. FURNER Mas. ADRIAAN ROCEIVEEN Mas. GILES WRITING Mrs. L. J. ROGGEVERS Mas. CLARENCE WHITMAN Mas. GROBGE GEOURRE Mas. AUGUSTE ROOSEBOOM Mrss G. MARY WHITMAN Mas. ADRIAAN Gtrs Mrss EMMY ROSENFELD Mas. H. MOTLEY WHITMAN Mas. ROBERT GORLET Mas. ELBERT RUES Mas. R. C. WHITMAN Mas. Julies GOLDSCHMIDT Mas. JOHN RUSSELL Mas. STANTON WHITNEY Mas. JOSEPH E. GOODBAR Mas. A. KOWARD V. SAMER Mas. FREDERICK R. WIENDEMA Mrs. HENRY G. GRAY Miss HELEN SAMLER Mas. WILLIAM WILLERE Mas. MARION F. GRAY Mas. Jonn I, SCHERPERS Mas. AILENE WILSON Mas. MARIA GRUM Mas. Faxe HURESTADT SCHEVALER Mas. G. R. Woods Mas. JONN GTLS Mas. THEODORE SCHUMACHER Mas. EDWARD H. WRIGHT, Jan Miss JRANNETTE HART Mas. MONTGOMERY SCHUYLER Mas. CHRISTOPHER WYATT The Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt - 2 - June 21, 1940 immediately required to cope with momentary emergencies. Please give, that the belief in a world based upon certain and immutable principles of order and decency may not be forever crushed by the triumph of Antichrist. The QUEEN WILHELMINA FUND, Inc. If Roumendasl POUGHKEEPSIE CHAPTER Henry Van Rouwendaal, Chairman 118 Cannon Street Poughkeepsie, New York THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON file pus November 30, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE Is it not time for me to talk with Gordon on the six- teenth when I get back, just before Princess Juliana arrives? F. D. R. PSF Netholands THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 11-30-40 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: George A. Gordon, our Minister to the Netherlands, is anxious to see the President. Summerlin thinks Gordon should have a talk with the President before Princess Juliana arrives. E.M.W. 712/19/40 THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON December 2, file 1940 My dear Mr. President: In reply to the inquiry contained in your memo- randum of November 30, I think there will be ample time for you to see George Gordon after your return to Washington before Princess Juliana arrives. I will inform him accordingly. Believe me Faithfully yours, hills The President, The White House. is F No Thereast TELEGRAM The White House 5wuh 53NT. and fillowed Mashington ud, NEW YORK, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1940 THE PRESIDENT: and MRS. ROOSEVELT: Upon the eve of my departure from the U. S. I wish to express my sincerest gratitude for your gracious hospitality and warm reception which made my stay at the White House so thoroughly delightful. I shall always cherish the memory of the days spent in Washington and of your great kindness and thoughtfulness. JULIANA. STANDARD TIME INDICATED THIS IS A FULL RATE TELEGRAM. CABLE- ECEIVED AT Postal Telegraph GRAM OR RADIOGRAM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED BY SYMBOL IN THE PREAMBLE OR IN THE ADDRESS OF THE MESSAGE. TELEGRAMS SYMBOLS DESIGNATING SERVICE SELECTED Mackay Radio PADIOGRAMS an America Cables ARE OUTLINED IN THE COMPANY'S TARIFFS ON HAND AT EACH OFFICE AND ON FILE WITH TELEPHONE YOUR TELEGRAMS Commercial Cables Canadian Pacific Telegraphs TO POSTAL TELEGRAPH REGULATORY AUTHORITIES. 16A PSF No Therea NB85 18 NL 1941 JAN i AN OTTAWA ONT 31 = MRS ROOSEVELT WHITE HOUSE WASHN DC THANKING YOU FOR YOUR KIND SEASONS GREETINGS STOP WISH YOU BOTH VERY MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE NEW YEAR JULIANA. TELEGRAM Filessonal PSF netherlands Folder The White House ( 4POAB 9 N.L. Mashington Ottawa, Ont., March 1, 1941 THE PRESIDENT AND MRS ROOSEVELT: Delighted and very grateful fine portraits and kind words Juliana. Nethorlands 1-41 TELEGRAM The White House WB61 RCA RADIOGRAM 1:49pm March 29, 1941 fulsnel file Mashington U LONDON, 49 28 2212 NLT THE PRESIDENT. Most heartfelt thanks for nice photographs from Mrs. Roosevelt and yourself, memorable souveniers to White House hospitality. Wish you very happy time on your cruise. Enjoy the glory of the sea which I know you love as true descendant from Dutch blood. Admiral De Vos. ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. Leave DEPARTMENT Purcosnts on OF STATE Ankwa disk washington In reply refer to June 3. 1941 PR 856.0011/75 My dear General Watson: I am enclosing for the information of the Presi- dent a paraphrase of a strictly confidential telegram which Mr. Biddle has sent from London for the President. Any additional information received will be com- municated to you without delay. Sincerely yours, Chief of Protocol Enclosure: Paraphrase of telegram. Major General Edwin M. Watson, Secretary to the President, The White House. SERICT y CONFIDENTIAL FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM BIDDLE PARAPHRASE OF TELEGRAM From: London To: Secretary of State Date: May 30, 1941 - 1 p.m. I have been informed in strictest confidence by Prince Bernhard that he expects to join Princess Juliana in Canada about June 7. Since he anticipates accom- panying Princess Juliana on a brief visit to the United States he sincerely hopes that he will have the honor to call upon you to pay his respects. JOHNSON PSF netherlands Folder Bráwis 1-01 June 6, 1941 My dear Princess Juliana: I hear that Prince Bernhard hopes to get here very soon and I an happy on your account and also happy in the thought that I shall have the pleasure of seeing both of you soon. Two days ago I suggested to your Foreign Minister and also to your Minister in Washington that you and your husband come to Hyde Park on June seventeenth. I an very glad to hear that you are to receive the honorary degree at Princeton and I can have my train stopped at a nearby junction that afternoon when the ceremonies are over 80 that you and your husband could board the train and go through to Hyde Park with me, arriving there in time for dinner. All the next day we could have a quiet time en famille. The night of the eighteenth at about eleven o'clook, I am compelled to leave for Harvard University but I would have the Ottawa or Montreal train stop for you and you would be home the next morning. Please do not hesitate to let me know if some other date would be more con- venient for you both or if you and your husband would prefer to come to Washington instead of to Hyde Park. I am glad that you will visit several parts of the United States for I think that these informal little trips are doing much good. Two or three weeks ago I had a very kind message from your Mother -- and I wish much that she could come over here even if it were for only & short visit. I am looking forward to seeing you. Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana of the Netherlands 120 Lansdowne Road Rockeliff Ottawa, Canada. fdr/th / PSF nethurland Folder TELEGRAM The White House lpoh 11. Mashington OTTAWA, ONT., June 8, 1941 THE PRESIDENT: Delighted both accept kind invitation and places as suggested by you. JULIANA. netherlands Folder THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 10, 1941. MEMORANDUM FOR STANLEY WOODWARD FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND RETURN FOR MY FILES. F. D. R. Telegram from Princess Juliana from Ottawa, dated June 8, 1941, saying "Delighted both accept kind invitation and places as suggested by you" Respectfully forwarded to the President fills mal and Emw. E. M. W. Netherland Folder DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF PROTOCOL June 10, 1941 MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL WATSON URGENT. The Netherlands Minister informed me this morning by telephone from Holland, Michigan, that Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard accept with the greatest pleasure the President's invitation to Hyde Park for June 17 and 18. They will board the President's train near Princeton on the as suggested in his letter of June 6th, and leave for aftar. Canada from Hyde Park by train the evening of the 18th. koon of the 17th For the President's information, the Prince and Princess are accompanied on their trip in the United States by the following: The Netherlands Minister Madame Loudon Mr. Willem van Tets (Private Secretary) Mme. van Tets Mr. Seesink (The Princess' Bodyguard) I mention this as the President may wish to include some of them in his invitation, but it is not at all necessary that he do so, and from conversations with the Netherlands Minister I do not believe that any of them expect it. she Stanley Woodward PSF netherlands Faller DINNER, TUESDAY, JUNE 17th, 7:30 P.M. INFORMAL full The President Mrs. Roosevelt Crown Princess Martha Prince Bernhard Princess Juliana Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Woodward Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lovett Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Young Mr. and Mrs. van Tets Mr. Harry Hopkins The Minister and Mrs. Loudon PSC file nethulands feleonal Folder TELEGRAM The White House Mashington 30wuki 25 3 Ex. 7:15 p.m. BALTIMORE, MD., June 18, 1941 THE PRESIDENT; AND MRS. ROOSEVELT: Before we leave your hospitable country we want to express to you our sincerest gratitude for your great friendship and warm welcome. Juliana Bernhard. Lonelow August 13th 1941 dry dear President. Ishurred like to fell you how delighted I am al the prospect of wiling you and dirs. Rossevell as av your home as Hyde Parkand we have agvid long salk with you and hear from of vu infersonally ofyner news on the ubuilling of Europe and the recomburchip of the worldasselles on the cosperation four two combries problem. in the Johnhirn of this difficult about the subjects which you have discussed with my clu Celren and about which you wrrilelnrish so exchange views with nec. Jan sure this will be of great infortance fer our present and future collaboration, which of course TwanAw promote as much aspossible as soon as circumslances will This my firm intention to come permil. Nobody willindersdend better than you cem, chal I cau mother ala line when for political reasons mypresence in Europe is being considered meessary.- - Conditions althour seem appresent so be rather uncerlain; it is thought ther is a possibility of an approaching internal evellapse of shee eveny. musil the simalion iselearer. Immit stay here If arcembile you should Hink ibnseful for me In prepare myselfands think over what you should like to talk to me about, is will be applessure to me Wind you Mr. Beyen, our expertin financial andeconomice afferirs fornerpress ident of the B. I.m Basle, who could reported me on every thing you wish to world de to Rice. Furthermore y and to thank you very, very nunclefer all you and lire Roosevelt didfor my clu Celree and last year for my daughter when the was alone wild you.,for all your kindness and liospitality and for the wonderful exception give will to them by the American people. Juliana is, as a very enthmusiastic with her degress.,Prom They bothcaure back so eullwn- trip in the twited Hales andabre all,fule of for the splendid energy of you and Mrs Rousever. Bernherd asksm w couvey to you bothlirs myAcorelial withruy greelings. best wishes proper and Mrs. Rossevelt yours very Millulming sincerely 1-5 Nelherlands s Sr Mr. T.g Rovseves Prided Hales of chnerica TELEGRAM The White House fillowl, IPST netherlands Folder 1-41 8POC 20 CABLE VIA CIAL Mashington (NY) LONDON, SEP'T. 3, 1941 THE PRESIDENT. PLEASE ACCEPT MY VERY BEST THANKS FOR YOUR KIND FELICITATIONS AND WISHES ON MY BIRTHDAY. WILHELMINA R. 4:18PM PSF netherlands Folder 1-41 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON September 5, 1941 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE: FOR PREPARATION OF REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE AND IS THERE ANY FURTHER ACTION. F.D.R. Cable London Sept 5 Netherlands Series 21 from Biddle re Dept's. 3520. Queen Wilhelmina 120 rausdow us full ottawa getterlends FOR tept. 14th ,Polder Dear mrs. Roorerelt, your kind intitation to come and they as Hyde Park bes. 3138 Till after leor. 41h was for harded, and Reaches me only now. / will be delighted and the Chi laree will lone is - of course, suice you crote, to mucs has hap kened in your family, that J don't know whether your inti- tation will be al tered h thas, bus, to make if easiest for you, if / don't hear any thing, l will count on oer. 31st, for the three of us. Traveling is all the easier for me, sciece the reason why is was diffi- cuer in august, has altogether knished taking with is a very wice illession, our is may be better like thas as the world's evento are developing in-th thes speed, thank Hearen. / will fire histher the hims, and if she possible can, she will of course Take if, bus /don's Your how the has to arrange been plan. law looking to unes forward to seeing yourself and the Previded apain loon. and will many Thank for your lovely ciritation once more and birdesi repards to you both yours very tricerely and affectionality Juliane Please crease the eurelope, it avoids censors hip and in a quicher way than sending a letter b diplomatic was. PSF Netherlands Folder 1-41 ROYAL NETHERLAND FORCES files Chief Liaison Officer LONDON, W.1 September 25th 1941 Stratton House, Stratton Street. Dear Mr. President, May I thank you very much for your photograph which I received a few days 480 from Canada. It was very kind of you to think of it and I am very happy indeed to have this personal token of your friendship. In the hope of being able to meet you again in the near future, and with my very best regards to Mrs.Roosevelt, I an, Very sincerely yours, Kemband KOA file PSF Velludars 40 Berkeley Square, W.I. September 29, 1941. My dear Mr. President: I take pleasure in forwarding you the enclosed letter which Prince Bernhardt has asked me to forward to you. He is simply delighted and extremely proud to have your photograph. With warmest regards and every good wish, I am Yours very sincerely, Tony Bidsee v The President, The White House, Washington, D.C. / fillsonal THE WHITE HOUSE Ps F Netherlands Folder 1-41 WASHINGTON October 24, 1941. Memorandum for the President: George Summerlin brought this over as the last word on the visits described. E. M. W. PSF Nethortand DEPARTMENT OF STATE Division pf PROTOCOL DIVISION OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS OCT 23 1941 MEMORANDUM Department of State October 23, 1941. PR Mr. Summerlin Dear SummA Hume Wrong, Minister Counselor of the Canadian Legation, called me on the telephone this morning on a number of matters and in the course of his conversation gave me the following information in regard to the Prime Minister's proposed trip to Hyde Park. 1. The Prime Minister has made arrangements for a private car to be placed at the disposal of Princess Juliana and her party. The Prime Minister will travel in his own private car. In accordance with the arrange- ment which we worked out earlier this year, the Canadian National Railways has made arrangements direct with the interested American railroads for the transportation of these two private cars. (You may recall that under this arrangement the American roads transport the cars and charge one first class fare for each passenger traveling in the cars; this relieves the Department of paying as it did on many occasions in the past the rather large sum for transporting private cars). 2. -2- 2. The two private cars will leave Ottawa Friday, October 31, and are due at Poughkeepsie, New York, Saturday morning, November 1, 5:30 a.m. The Canadian National Railways are arranging with the American railway authorities about detaching and holding the private cars in Poughkeepsie. 3. The Prime Minister and Princess Juliana will have breakfast Saturday morning on the train. They assume that the White House will send an automobile or automobiles to Poughkeepsie to take them to Hyde Park. They will be ready to leave the train at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. 4. The Prime Minister plans to leave Poughkeepsie at 11 p.m. Sunday, November 2 in order to permit him to be in Ottawa for the opening of Parliament Monday afternoon. 5. Princess Juliana plans to stay on at Hyde Park until Tuesday. I told Mr. Wrong that I would give you this information. 25A Eu:Hickerson:EJD Miss Tells file facismal 120 lausdorne ed ottawa 22-10-'41 Yet. netherlands Folder lear Mrs. Roosereld, Thank you to mues for your letter. and / an freasly looking for bard to arrive as Hyde Park hor. 1st in the morning - topsther with me. machentic king, & hind arrangement / will thing my two little in per timens daughters and / will plads accept your bried hir:- tation too for This Feith, one of my best and closes priends, who always assist me is looking after the children IT would have been that a disapporitment, Lad your iuri tation lad to be caucelle as already once if could not come off. the / do very very must appreciate your kinduess of having me hispite of all the decadful things you and the Inceides had to to through perco- hally there last months, in whics / did feel to ver, much for you. Looking freatly forward is meeting you apain do roon, and in your loves home e this trice, yours tricerely audafectionaly Juliana 3 BY AIR MAIL it CANADA THE is 100 CAN PAR AVION 91 UNITED STATE CANAD 3 POSTAGE POST LSOA TAGE 30 30 CENTS Mrs. F.D. Rooserelt The White House Washington L.S.Q. D.C. Nethirlands Folder 1-41 DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF PROTOCOL MEMORANDUM October 25, 1941 Miss Thompson: The White House: With reference to Mr. Muir's conversation with you concerning the visit of Princess Juliana to Hyde Park the end of this month, the following is the latest information that we have in the Division of Protocol. It is understood that Princess Juliana accompanied by her two children, Mr. and Mrs. van Tets (we had thought that he was a baron but find out that he is now plain mister), and Miss Seith, who 1s taking care of the two children, will arrive at Poughkeepsie Saturday morning, November 1, with Prime Minister MacKenzie King on the same train. There will also be two private detectives, Captain Sesink and Mr. Welbergen, in Her Royal Highness' party. Mr. van Tets has been informed that Mrs. Roosevelt would be pleased to have him and Mrs. van Tets along with Miss Seith stay at the Hyde Park house. However, the van Tets prefer to stay with Mrs. van Tets' father, Dr. Collins, at Millbrook. Miss Seith will stay at the Hyde Park house if this arrangement is still all right. With -2- With reference to the two detectives, they can be quartered in Poughkeepsie or at Hyde Park whichever Mrs. Roosevelt decides. Mr. van Tets understands that the party will leave on Tuesday, November 4. Stanley Woodward THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Oct. 31, 1941 GRACE: Call up Mr. Talman in Hyde Park and say I have his letter and I hope to be there without fail on Sunday morning and bring the Princess Juliana and that I am very glad that Mr. Haviland will give a short message of greeting. F.D.R. PSF netherlands Flder 1-41 Hyde Park, Ber York, October 27, 1941. The Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, The White House, Mashington, D.C. My dear Mr. Roosevelt, Vr. B.H. Haviland, senior elder on the Consistory of our local Reformed Church, DUE told n.e that you would like to attend our church service next Sunday morning (November 2nd) and bring Princess Juliana of the Netherlands with you 88 your guest. Let ne add ny invitation to his, le shall indeed be pleased to have you and your royal guest worship with Q E on that day. You need fear no difficulty in driving your car right up to the front door. Te have begun making plans for your visit and trust that nothing will intervene to change your plans. Since you told Mr. Haviland that you would like 80 for 88 possible to have just our ONE people there that day, I 85 giving no more publicity to this than I can help. So that NE may be better able to decide who shall attend, admission *ill be by ticket only and, with & few exceptions, tickets will be given only to members of the church, 8. limited number of their guests, and regular members of the congregation. The church service will be conducted in our usual simple form. The only exception to this is that I have asked Mr. Haviland, 88 senior elder and your prosonal friend of long standing, to give & short memesie of greeting and welcome to the Princess and yourself. Vrs. Talman and I attended that special Convocation at Holland, Michigan, last June at which time the Princess received & degree from Hopa College. At that time Mrs. Talwan not the Princess. If agreeable to you and fitting in with your plane, we would be pleased to call upon you at E time to suit your convenience on Saturday. At that time we can pay our respects to the Princess and also get from you any last details that we may need to know about your visit to our church the next day. Yours respectfully, Lyman Q. Talman, fullmal PSF netherlands Folder 1-41 THE WHITE HOUSE [11-1-41] WASHINGTON The State Department telephoned the following: The Prime Minister and Princess Juliana arrive Poughkeepsie, Sat. Nov. 1, at 5:20 a.m. They will stay on the train until 10 a.m. and will have breakfast on the train. The Prime Minister leaves 11:03 p.m. Sunday. Princess Juliana leave 11:03 p.m. Tuesday. M.C.T. Dee. 19th 1941 Jear Mrs. Roasereli, Thank you do much again for is arrited here safely - / admire the beautiful pona che pic there, is very mucs and is is tued a frie impression 5/ your heigh- bour hood, and therefore Q long Pourerir also, / wanted to thank you very must for your kind note 15ken for had & ci cred this calender well our effigies, that has thees of you. / baw to wish you both and to your whole family as much of a leal Xear as passible,- - and way all our hope and wishes for 1942 come true, and more than that / can't tell you how much / must think of your country as if star to This war. time, with the Freuendous deep cuto That go Ln th it into its life as a whole and of every indi ridual all our pircences and determine 21b very bracing to be s haring nation now. / fees 90 inspired hearing the Pucident's speecs. It's food to be alire erer his these days. may be exem especially. Your work must be dou bled, and writing to you inth thas her owled feels like litruding bus / past M UST T with you both the very very best / can think of four very affectionates Juliana U.S.Q. PSF Nelhodans OTTAWA DEC 20 CANAD 2 PM 1941 POSTAL 3 THIS 3 PUS & LINE ONT CENTS mrs. F.D. Rooserels The White House has hispton D.C. file confudential war File PSF Netheslands Folder 1941 12-28-41 MEMORANDUM The Governor General received the impression that the important position which the main territory of the Netherlands Indies (Java, Sumatra) takes in the general war strategies in the Pacific is not fully appreciated in Washington and that too much attention is being given to Australia and the connecting Eastern part of the Netherlands Indies archipellago, whilst at the same time the importance of Singapore also seems to be under- rated. The Governor General comes to this conclusion a.o. because the United States Asiatic fleet has apparently received orders to only operate in the Eastern part of the Archipellago and is not even prepared to give protection in Strait Sounda to rein- forcements coming to Singapore from the Middle East. Moreover, the United States airforce is falling back on Darwin where the United States are establishing an army and naval basis. - 2 - During the conversations which upon the instigation of President Roosevelt were held some time ago in Singapore it was observed that the United States representative seemed to have like views. The Governor General would deeply regret if the American authorities really contemplate to transfer their basis and main effort in the joint operations far to the East as this would have as result that no full use would be made of the possibilities which the Netherlands Indies offer in these operations and that our territory might be abandoned before the absolute necessity thereto might arrise. It may be added that the British authorities in Singapore are of the same opinion. The Governor General draws the attention to the following: 18 Singapore is extremely important for the general strategic position. When close cooperation is maintained, this - 3 - base can be strongly supported especially by organizing such support from Netherlands Indies territory. 28 Soerabaya offers great possibilities, much greater than Darwin which port is very poorly equipped. In Soerabaya facilities for army and airforce are also available or can be arranged on short notice. 3º If the defense line is drawn too much to the East, the Japanese will be enabled to take besides other Netherlands Indies natural riches the oilfields. Of course these will be thoroughly destroyed if the necessity arises, but they can again be put into production after some time, however well the destruction may have been executed. 4º The front should not be retracted, more than ab- solutely necessary, as by doing so the enemy not only can strengthen the defenses in the abandoned territory but especially can construct basis from which to conduct offensive operations also against the Australian supply routes. - 4 - 5º It is especially pointed out that if the Japanese were to occupy Sumatra and Java they would command the approaches to the Indian Ocean (Strait Sounda, Strait Lombok and if Singapore falls also Strait Malacca) and thus would be able to send naval forces in that ocean which would constitute the gravest danger for the Allied lines of communication between the near East, Australia, South Africa and also between the United States of America and the Near East. 6º The morale in the Netherlands Indies will be greatly strengthened by the establishment of United States bases in that territory which will prove the interest the United States have in the defense also of the Netherlands Indies. 7ª When sufficiently supplied with war materials the Netherlands Indies would be in a position to take a very active part in the struggle. Washington, December 28th 1941.