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wr | Le solution of the basic- Areb-Israel conflict from _fecting American vessels and seamen in the areas which the Arab boycott arises. concerned.————- &. The United States Navy in February 1960 In the light of the foregoing basic principles—-— discontinued the use of a clause formerly em- and in conformity with the fundamental national — ployed in contracting procedures for the delivery interest, the Department gives assurances that it of oil to U.S. naval installations abroad, lest this Will undertake to investigate fully the grievances clause, whichwas designed to assure the efficient of the Seafarers International Union and, through operation of the Fleet, be misconstrued as acqui- appropriate diplomatic action with the foreign escence in the Arab boycott. Regarding trans- countries involved, to renew its efforts to assure portation of PL 480 cargoes, restrictive clauses . freedom of the seas and to protect the interests . have in certain instances been sncluded in ship of our shipping and seamen now being discrim- _ charters by foreign countries which purchase inated against by the Arab boycott and black- the surpluses in this country and make their listing policy. . own shipping arrangements directly with private carriers. No United States Government agency is a party to these contracts. Consistent with the MR. MEANY TO MR. DILLO licy that no United States agency condone the Mar 5, 1960 Arab boycott, the Department will continue its Zonorable Dovatas Drizon, Acting Secretary of State efforts to do what it can to end the application of U.8. Department of State these restrictive clauses with respect to U.S. flag Washington, D.C. vessels under charter to foreign countries. My Dear Mx. Securtanr: I have the honor to transmit . ding tment of United States cit- to you the resolution * adopted by the Executive Council 6. Reger treatm U of the AFL-CIO on Wednesday, May 4, pledging full izens abroad, including American seamen, It 18 of support to the maritime affiliates of tho AFL-CIO in course mandatory on this Department to doevery- their protest against the blacklisting of American fiag- thing possible to assure equal treatment and free- ships and the boycott policy being pursued by the Arab dom from harassment for all our citizens in boycott organization of the Arab League. foreign countries. - United States diplomatic and You will note that the resolution further expresses the consular officers have standing instructions to eX- tre at Oren the Be of the AFL-C10 a tend every appropriate assistance to our citizens — ynion, supported by the oe a on al Longehoremen’s who may encounter difficulties. In several recent Association in the New York port. instances American seamen experienced difficulties I have taken the liberty of forwarding the resolution to you for the information of the Department of State at ports in the United Arab Republic. Our con- sular officers made every effort to assist the crews and for euch action as may be appropriate under the circumstances. of these vessels, and were in fact able to be of Bincerely, material help. The Department has renewed its Groner M standing instructions to its consular officers to be President on the alert to assist in settling grievances regard- ing treatment abroad of American seamen or other American citizens which are brought to their ICA Study Group Visits attention. Belgian Congo 7. Ass matter of basic procedure, the Depart- ment gives full consideration to all communica- Press release 256 dated May 3 tions from private American groups with respect An International Cooperation Administration to problems affecting the conduct of United States study group consisting of Margaret Joy Tibbetts, foreign relations. In accordance with this pro- Glenn ‘Lehmann, and Joseph St. Lawrence has cedure, it has been and will continue to be, the arrived in Léopoldville at the invitation of the intention of the Department of State to give full General Executive Council of the Belgian Congo consideration to all communications fromthe Sea- in Léopoldville and the Belgian Government. farers International Union, other affected meri- The study group wishes to acquaint itself with time unions and other interested groups. The the future problems and needs of an independent Department will consult with the AFL-CIO and . . ; its maritime affiliates on future developments sf- * Not printed here. May 23, 1960 COR ae a 1