340.1115A/685: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
980. Your 960, May 23. Department is exceedingly anxious not to open the door to situation where aliens, even though nurses and governesses, are accepted at expense of American citizens. There may be great difficulty in providing adequate, quick facilities for removal of all Americans and it is therefore suggested that you consider this in connection with possibility of placing children in care of Americans in lieu of alien nurses or governesses. The matter, however, is left to your judgment in view of all the difficult conditions which you confront.
Your 1362, May 24, 8 p.m. Department has considered that maximum capacity of Roosevelt should be utilized in view of difficulty of procuring sufficient transportation facilities. We assume that hold [Page 108] accommodations will be utilized for men and that women, children and elderly people should be provided the best accommodations. You will undoubtedly take into consideration these facts and the matter is left to your determination and judgment under conditions as you know exist there. The Department, however, stresses desirability of having maximum passages booked because of situation. You will consider that this government has assured belligerents only American citizens will be passengers.