340.1115A/824: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
1113. Your 1520, June 6, noon. Arrangements are being made to have the Washington proceed direct to Ireland from Bordeaux and Lisbon. You will be advised later of approximate date of arrival.
Washington will probably have available about 1000 accommodations for passengers from Galway counting emergency accommodations. Ship will likely have 900 passengers aboard upon leaving Lisbon. Bookings for departure from Galway will be made from United States Lines Office, London. Lines will fix rates.
It has been our experience in the past that every vessel which we have dispatched abroad for the purpose of returning Americans to the United States has returned with unoccupied space. The Government cannot continue the practice of dispatching such vessels for persons who have been repeatedly warned since the outbreak of hostilities that they should depart for the United States and who have not taken advantage of the means which the Government has provided them at considerable expense and at risk to the crews and ships in traversing dangerous waters to repatriate them. This should be made clear in your notification of the Washington’s approaching arrival to Americans still in the British Isles.
[Page 123]Use of loan authorization for Washington approved.
American citizens inquiring at the Embassy regarding the possibility of traveling on belligerent vessels should be informed that such travel is against the law of the United States and permission will not be granted for it.
You will warn each passenger as instructed in regard to the voyage of S. S. Roosevelt that they travel at their own risk.