300.115(39) City of Flint/28: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
805. Department’s telegram No. 212, October 25, 9 p.m. Having received no further word today from Potemkin I have asked for an immediate appointment with him for the purpose of pointing out the anomalous position in which the Soviet Government is placing itself [Page 992] in respect of the City of Flint. In so far as the facts have thus far been made known to me the German authorities allege that the vessel was taken in to Murmansk as being non-navigable, having no suitable charts on board, whereas according to the Soviet authorities she was taken there by reason of damaged machinery.
Thus both the German and Soviet versions indicate that the vessel was brought in to Murmansk by reason of a condition making it impossible for her to remain at sea. Both alleged reasons appear to fall within the scope of articles 21 and 22 of the Hague Convention of 1907.
It is my intention to renew my inquiry of Potemkin as to the grounds upon which the Soviet Government bases its action in detaining the vessel and examining its cargo.
I have been trying all day to communicate with Captain Gaynor [ Gainard ] of the City of Flint and have now been promised a telephone connection with him at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning.
- Telegram in two sections.↩