The Washington herald., 1921-04-30
DEMANDS
EQUAL RIGHTS
In WORLDOL
Principle Laid Down in
Note to Dutch on East !.
- Indies.
PROTESTS AWARDS
GRANTED BRITISH
Notifies Hague Same Pol
icy May Be Adopted
. In America. -

Americas insistence that her :iti-
gems receive the same rights IN de-
yefoping the oil resources of for
eign lands as foreigners receive in
this country Is laid down as prin-
ciple in a note handed the Dutch
government by the American Minis
Ter at The Hague.
Emphasizing specifically the de-
zire. of American capital to particl-
pate in the oil development OF the
Dutch East Indies. the note strongly
suggests that IL Dutch operators *
pect to continue their oil exploita-
tion in American fields, our nation
ais must be affored the same oppor-
tuaity ir Netherlands territory.
sThe communication was presented
90 the Dutch foreign minister ApItl
fs and made public at the state De-
partment yesterday.
- Deeply Concerned.
The United States also is repre-
sented as being greatly concerned"
to learn that the MONOPOLY in the
Dutch colonies Is about to be be-
Slowed upon a company in which
foreign capital other than Amer
lean is largely Interested. This
statement, IT is Aearned. refers
to recent rights wH3eb have been
accorded to British interests.
The real interest of the United
States" the note asserts, lies in
the. recognition of the principle of
mutual or reciprocal accessibility
10 vital and natural resources by
the nationals of the United States
and by those of foreign countries.
and the belief that the recognition
of the principle of equal opportu-
nifty is the solution of the future
oil. problem throughout the world"
Recalls Assurances.
ssitsis pointed out that for years
Shis country has carried the burden
OF supplying large part OF the
petroleum consumed in other coun-
tries -.
Recalling an assurance from the
pcteh government that participa-
zion CT American capital in the
East Indies was looked upon IA
Nnrably. the American Minister
states that the United States is still
mindful of these assurances, and
that American interests are ready
snd desirous to cooperate with the
Netherlands government in oil de-
SeIopment'
The laws in the Dutch East In 2
eIes, however, prohibit oil develop
Eleht by foreign companies and the
note is virtually a protes. against
anParent liscrimiaation in favor Of
Z tish interests
To Protect OIL Here.
My government finds no aiterna-
tive than the adoption of the princi-
pie of equally good opportunity with
the proviso that no foreign capital
may operate in public lands unless
It's. government -accords similar or
like privileges to American citizens"
the note says; and furthermore
have submitted that, in the light
Of the future needs of the United
States, such very limited and purely
defensive provisions as the above
might become inadequate, should
the principle of equality of oppor-
tunity not be recognized in foreign
countries.
while l am not acting on be-
half OF any particular American
company. i am glad of this oppor-
tune moment to point out that GER
tain definite propositions which have
been made during the last twelve
months furnish suficient evidence
that responsible and experienced
American interests are ready and
desirous to cooperate with The
Netherlands government in oil de-
Helopments in The Netherlands In
dtes.
TT is perhaps needless to say
that my government is fully aware
OF the laws and regulations in the
indies which prohibit foreign COM
panies, as such, from entering the
colonies for the development of
mineral oils. On the other hand,
mys.government is very greatly con-
eerned when 1t becomes apparent
mat the monooiy of such far-reach-
mg. Importance In the DEVELOPMENT
OF oil Is about to be bestowed upou
2 company in which foreign capital
otner than American is SO largely
interested.