340.1115A/830: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 7—12:05 p.m.]
1539. Your 1113, 6th. Thank you for the Washington. It will take a big chunk out of our problem. We have plenty of people to fill her, but many cannot pay the fares. We will use the $20,000 in accordance with instructions contained in your 1015, 28th.
I presume your references to unoccupied space concerns the Acadia and St. John. We reported before that people simply would not travel on these ships. I cannot say that I blame them. Every other vessel which left these shores, including belligerent vessels, carried as many people as it was found practicable to put on.
We have warned all Americans still here that the Washington may be their last opportunity for returning home and that those who do not take advantage of this opportunity remain at their own risk.