340.1115A/1502: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 23—10:06 a.m.]
3169. The situation regarding Americans here is getting acute again. Although none of our people have been hit yet many have had narrow escapes and it is only a question of time until some of them get killed or injured. There is no way to get out of here now except by plane to Lisbon and these planes are booked 6 months ahead.
[Page 166]We have about 400 people now asking for transportation home. I have no doubt that if a vessel were provided there would be many more. We have not held out any hope to these people but I believe that in view of the intensive bombing now going on we should review the situation in the light of changed conditions. Those still in England are principally persons who have been here for a long time. Many are married to foreigners. Others have spent most of their lives in the upbuilding of American interests abroad. Naturally, these people hung on to the last minute in the hope that events might take a turn that would permit them to remain and thus save something from what was in many cases their life’s work.
If a vessel is sent and if any room remains after American citizens have been accommodated we have plenty of English children waiting to go to America. The American Committee now has 2000 registered, 934 of whom have been visaed and are awaiting transportation.