File No. 800.88/186
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Colombia ( Belden)
Legation’s September 16, 10 a.m. The imperative necessities of the war demand that all available tonnage be put into transatlantic service. We appreciate in fullest degree importance of maintaining all possible service for foreign countries, and you may present our assurances that nothing will be done except what the vigorous prosecution of the war makes necessary, and then only after careful consideration of the needs of all the countries involved. All the ships it is found possible to leave in Caribbean service will be handled by Shipping Control Committee for the best interests of all parties.