300.115(39) City of Flint/13: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Steinhardt ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25—9:10 p.m.]
800. A Tass despatch from Murmansk issued at 1:30 a.m., states that the German prize crew which brought the City of Flint to Murmansk has been released from internment in view of the fact that the vessel put in to Murmansk by reason of damage to her machinery. The despatch continues that the vessel is remaining at Murmansk pending the definite establishment of the nature of her cargo.
I immediately telephoned Potemkin who stated that it was his understanding that the German prize crew had been released from internment but not been put back on board the City of Flint. When I asked him whether the vessel might not leave the port under her American crew list he evaded a direct reply by referring to the existence of machinery trouble. He promised me further details as soon as possible.