862.8591/649
Memorandum by the Acting Liaison Officer (Notter)
[Washington,] December 19, 1939.
The German cargo steamship Columbus (32,581 gross tons) which sailed from Veracruz for Germany on December 14 has been under constant observation by United States naval vessels. Three days ago the ship narrowly missed encounter (200 miles off Norfolk) with the British cruiser in search of her.
I am informed now by phone call from the Navy Department that at one o’clock today the observation of the ship will be discontinued. Her position will then be 480 miles eastward from the most southeastern point of Cape Cod.
Harley Notter