701.0090/2245a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)
3442. [Here follows account of departure of the Swedish motor vessel Gripsholm, under Captain Sigfried Ericsson, on second United States-Japanese exchange voyage.]
6. Because of possible adverse effect on future exchange operations of any untoward incidents various security measures were taken by United States Government at New York. Publicity was limited to a factual press release issued by the Department.25 No press representatives nor press photographers were permitted in the operations area in New York before, during or after embarkation. The ship left her berth at midnight. During embarkation and after passengers were on board no officers or men of armed military forces were permitted [Page 925] on board. No display of arms was permitted on pier, at gangplank or on board vessel except sheathed and holstered sidearms. Sole exception to the foregoing was that the patrol guard of United States Coast Guard on stringpiece between vessel and pier carried customary military equipment. Officers and men of Coast Guard in their capacity as security officers for Port of New York were stationed on pier, at gangplank and on board vessel to insure orderly embarkation proceedings. Ship-to-shore telephone was under guard and only such officers or persons designated in writing by the Master or officers in charge were permitted to use telephone on board ship. Coast Guard pilot boats constantly patrolled the waters around the ship until she left New York.
Department is anxious to avoid any situations which could possibly give rise to any justifiable complaint from Japanese Government alleging mismanagement of embarkation proceedings or improper treatment of Japanese nationals.
Foregoing explanation is accordingly given as evidence of extremely serious view United States Government takes of any untoward incident which might adversely affect future exchange operations, a view which it is hoped the Brazilian Government shares. Copies of this telegram should be made available to the Swiss and Spanish delegates aboard, to Mr. Langdon,26 to the Master, and to the Spanish Embassy at Rio de Janeiro.
Please render all appropriate assistance to the interests and authorities concerned with the prompt and efficient dispatch of vessel at Rio de Janeiro. Telegraph pertinent details of vessel’s arrival and departure, followed upon vessel’s departure by complete airgram report of embarkation proceedings.