125.981/82: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany ( Kirk ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:04 p.m.]
2495. Following is translation of note verbale from Foreign Office addressed to the diplomatic mission Berlin dated December 22, 1939 received today:
“The Foreign Office has the honor to call the attention of the diplomatic missions in Berlin to the fact that in view of the altered legal position in the areas of the former Polish Republic the exequatur issued by the former Polish Government to the foreign consuls in the former Polish areas now under German administration is no longer valid. The government of the Reich is accordingly unable to recognize these former consuls in the official capacities which they have hitherto held.
[Page 689]Since a reoccupation of the consular posts or the reestablishment of consulates in the areas mentioned for technical reasons does not appear practical to the government of the Reich. Until further notice, the Foreign Office would suggest that the diplomatic missions in Berlin should themselves undertake the protection of the interests of their citizens in the areas of the former Republic of Poland now under German administration.
The Foreign Office would be grateful to the diplomatic missions in Berlin for a confirmation of the receipt of this note verbale and a notification as to the measures taken in accordance with this.”