340.1115A/622b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
873. Your recommendation in telephone conversation with Welles54 to the effect that Americans should evacuate from England to Ireland there to await an American ship supersedes your earlier recommendations that they be permitted to sail from English west coast ports on belligerent ships. Considering your report in telephone conversation with Welles and your 1228, May 16, 1:00 p.m., and considering general situation and certain marine dangers, your recommendation over the telephone is approved and you are authorized to advise that as many Americans as may do so proceed to Ireland. We will then consider the possibility of sending vessels to repatriate them at their expense from the west coast of Ireland. Such Americans as may be [Page 96] unable to proceed to Ireland we believe should be advised in your discretion to seek accommodations in less congested areas and away from metropolitan centers and points which might be considered strategic. This authorization is extended on the information that the French are withholding further visas for Americans to pass through France and that airplane service is discontinued and that Channel ferries have practically stopped running.
Please advise how many Americans will be remaining in London, approximately the number proceeding to Ireland and if possible the number seeking shelter in countrysides and any other facts which we should have.
Dublin is being advised and appropriately instructed. You will please communicate with Dublin to cooperate with you regarding lodgings for evacuees at their own expense.
- Sumner Welles, Under Secretary of State.↩