740.0011 European War 1939/1316: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 25—9:55 a.m.]
2720. Personal for the President from Naval Person:
“We have always conformed to undertaking not to use British submarines inside your zone and I am very sorry there seems to be trouble about recent incidents. We cannot always refrain from stopping enemy ships outside international 3-mile limit when these may well be supply ships for U-boats or surface raiders, but instructions have been given only to arrest or fire upon them out of sight of United States shores. As a result of action off Plate whole South Atlantic is now clear and may perhaps continue clear of warlike operations. This must be a blessing to South American Republics whose trade was hampered by activities of raider and whose ports were used for his supply ships and information centers. In fact we have rescued all this vast area from war disturbances. Earnestly hope this will be valued by South American States who may likely for long periods enjoy in practice not only 300 but 3,000 miles limit. Laws of war gave raider right capture, or sink after providing for crews, all trade with us in South Atlantic. No protest was made about this although it injured Argentine commercial interests. Why then should complaints be made of our action in ridding seas of this raider in strict accordance with same international laws from which we had been suffering? Trust matter can be allowed to die down and see no reason why any trouble should occur unless another raider is sent which is unlikely [Page 122] after fate of first. South American States should see in Plate action their deliverance perhaps indefinitely from all animosity. Much of world duty is being thrown on admiralty. Hope burden will not be made too heavy for us to bear. Even a single raider loose in North Atlantic requires employment half our battle fleet to give sure protection. Now unlimited magnetic mining campaign adds to strain upon flotillas and small craft. We are at very lull extension till the new war-time construction of anti-submarine craft begins to flow from May onwards. If we should break under load South American Republics would soon have worse worries than the sound of one day’s distant seaward cannonade. And you also, Sir, in quite a short time would have more direct cares. I ask that full consideration should be given to strain upon us at this crucial period and best construction put upon action indispensable to end war shortly in right way.
“In case you may be interested in details of recent action am sending various reports by first air mail. Damage to Exeter from 11-inch guns was most severe and ship must be largely rebuilt. Marvel is she stood up to it so well.
“Magnetic mines very deadly weapon on account of possibility of varying sensitiveness of discharge, but we think we have got hold of its tail though we do not want them to know this.
“Generally speaking think war will soon begin now. Permit me to send you, Sir, all the compliments of the season.”