May 15, 1947 #16 Val A. Browning 79 quai Coronmeuse Liege, Belgium Subject: Dear Ocean Shipping and Insurance Val, Note that Doug sent you a copy of his letter of May 9th referring to damages we have had in past shipments and the eventful trip of SS Mont Clair which left Antwerp March 28th with 2700 guns, went aground twice, finally arriving May 11th. Am sending on to you reply to his letter, complete copies of 2) his telegraphic 1) my telegram to Doug reply, 3) my letter to in Doug May 14th. The important thoughts relating to this episode are to me, first, the lack of procedure we have for dealing with emergencies of this sort, second, the desirability in the future of keeping closer track of these large shipments, thirdly, should we not investigate for better transoceanic service?’ We have not in many years had a shipment really soaked in transit, but we do not have well in mind an exact procedure to be followed instantly upon getting information that one of our shipments has become wet. It will remain for us to figure the customs and insurance angles insofar as they may be determined in the United States. Would very much appreciate your suggestion as to how FN will be able to participate. I will not repeat the various angles of the problem we will be up against in the event of a wet shipment. My letter to Doug is as complete on this subject as I can be. Regarding the matter of following dates of departure and arrival, it would seem to me highly desirable, since FN gives us shipping dates with reasonable care, that we determine, if possible, the length of the average voyage and then be careful to check immediately when there is delayed arrival. In this case we did not start checking soon enough; we did not get any helpful information on the condition of our guns, consequently, the boat docked and the guns were put on freight cars and started to St. Louis before we had the opportunity to make any valuation of a possibly bad situation. In other words,we were so late we lost our chances to obtain information and act intelligently. Am praying that the assumption is correct that this shipment has not received extensive water damage. When the praying period is over and there are some facts, we will of course inform you immediately. Might add that there are not very good grounds for this assumption because experience in the past has indicated that dock inspectors on this side are extremely careless about picking up damaged crates. I do not believe we have much evidence that there is inspection.