340.1115A/824: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 6—6:57 a.m.]
1520. My 1433, May 29. We are being swamped with enquiries regarding transportation to the United States. It is imperative that we give our people some sort of an answer, one way or another, without delay.
We have enough people to fill another boat like the Roosevelt If the Washington is sent here, I believe we can produce between 500 and 800 passengers, more if some provision is made for lower fares.
Military developments, of course, could change these figures overnight but that is the way it looks today. The Washington would solve many of our difficulties. I hope we can have her.
The loan authorization of $20,000 reached us too late to be used for the Roosevelt. May we use this fund for other vessel?
Ninety per cent of those coming to the Embassy still inquire regarding the possibility of travelling on belligerent vessels.