360F.1115/1: Telegram

The Minister in Czechoslovakia (Carr) to the Secretary of State

192. Although work is progressing on our bombproof shelter and a place of temporary refuge has been obtained in the country conditions here are such that no adequate protection could be afforded to a large number of Americans in addition to the combined staffs and their families who number over one hundred.

During the present situation the Legation and Consulate General have had innumerable inquiries from American citizens in Czechoslovakia for advice whether to leave the country. Up to the present time both offices have replied that there was yet no reason for believing that such a necessity had arisen at the same time advising orally that the situation was obvious to all and individuals concerned as to their safety should use their own judgment. I feel that the moment is now at hand to advise inquirers as to the difficulties they will encounter in case of a sudden outbreak of hostilities when frontiers would be closed and to suggest that unless compelled to remain they should seriously consider prompt departure. The Consul General states that according to registration there are at the moment roughly 250 Americans in Praha and 2000 in Czechoslovakia as a whole plus some 5000 border line cases. The brunt of the responsibility will be in Praha where train and air accommodations are already becoming congested. Furthermore, if war should begin, evacuation would then be virtually impossible because of the geographical position of Czechoslovakia] in relation to the transportation facilities to other countries.

Carr