138 Emergency Program/31: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
62. In view of the exigencies of the present situation in Europe, the Department on September 4 issued new regulations providing that [Page 693] no passport heretofore issued shall be valid for travel from United States to any European country unless it has been submitted to Department for validation for such use.48 Passports will be validated and new passports issued only to those persons submitting documentary evidence of imperative necessity for traveling to Europe. Women and children will not be included in passports issued their husbands or fathers unless imperative necessity of accompanying them is conclusively established. Passports will not, except in extraordinary circumstances, be validated for travel in opposing belligerent countries. Department contemplates examination at ports of passports to assure strict compliance with new regulations. Passports of returning American citizens will be taken up for safe keeping and to assure that they will not again be used except in accordance with new regulations.
When evacuation American citizens now waiting transportation to the United States shall have been substantially accomplished,49 Department contemplates issue of instructions to consular officers in Europe concerning restrictions in use of passports heretofore and hereafter issued.
Advise all officers in Europe by mail.