We have been considering your recent reports on political
negotiations [1] and hope to comment on them shortly.

Meanwhile, we should like further report on present position as
regards trade. We gather from your K.108 [2] that there are some
prospects of restoration of internal trade, but that question of
Republican foreign trade is still unresolved. We are particularly
anxious to have information about Netherlands sea blockade, and
would like report covering following points:-

(a) What is extent of blockade, and how do Dutch seek to justify
it? How does it affect shipment of native produce from Republican
areas?
(b) Does it limit fishing and other normal off-shore activities?
(c) How far is it responsible for Republic's existing economic
disabilities?
(d) Has it been discussed in negotiations and what views have
Republicans expressed?
(e) Are Republicans still trying to develop their own ports
through which to conduct foreign trade?