340.1115A/1539b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany (Morris)
2731. Department is contemplating the dispatch of the S. S. President Roosevelt to Galway or some other practicable western or southern port in Ireland to evacuate additional Americans in the [Page 170] British Isles to the United States. The ship will carry no cargo or passengers on its outward journey from the United States. Please immediately communicate informally to the appropriate German authorities and ascertain whether the German Government would be willing to grant safe conduct for the vessel on its voyage for the purpose stated. If so, this Government will instruct you formally to request safe conduct. It will then also state the date of sailing of the ship, the course to be followed by it to Ireland and the probable date of arrival in Ireland. The vessel will, of course, proceed with the usual identifying characteristics as on its previous voyage to Galway. Telegraph reply triple priority.