740.00111A Passenger Travel/24a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
1150. Following statement given to the press on October second:
“On September 5, 1939, I issued regulations regarding travel by American citizens on vessels of belligerent countries,37 in accordance [Page 623] with provisions of the Joint Resolution of Congress approved May 1, 1937.38
I stated that travel on vessels of France, Germany, Poland, or the United Kingdom, India, Australia and New Zealand (vessels of the Union of South Africa were added by regulation of September 9, and those of Canada on September 11) in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of 30 degrees west and north of 30 degrees north or on or over other waters adjacent to Europe or over the continent of Europe or adjacent islands would not be permitted except when specifically authorized by the Secretary of State in each case.
The Joint Resolution contains a proviso excepting, for a period of 90 days, from the prohibition on travel by American citizens on a vessel of a belligerent state citizens returning from a foreign state to the United States.
While under international law American citizens have a perfect right to travel on belligerent vessels, and while under our statute they may travel on such vessels en route from a foreign country to the United States for an additional period of 60 days from October 5, I regard such travel as dangerous considering the character of the warfare that is now in progress.
I, therefore, call upon all American citizens, in their own interest and in the interest of their Government, to refrain from exercising the right which they have in this respect. This Government has gone to considerable trouble and expense to make available to American citizens in belligerent countries American vessels for their return to the United States and fortunately most of them who have desired to return have been accommodated. It is therefore to be hoped that those who may still be in foreign countries and who desire to return to the United States will travel on American vessels or other neutral vessels and thus avoid the danger inherent in traveling on vessels of belligerent countries within the areas specified above.”
Repeat to Consuls in England and to Embassy, Paris, for repetition to Consuls in France.