340.1115A/1564a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany (Morris)74
2836. Please address the following first person note to the German Minister for Foreign Affairs:
“Excellency: Pursuant to the discussions which I have had with the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs, I am directed by my Government to inform Your Excellency of the importance and urgency which it attaches to its desire to dispatch an American vessel to a port in Ireland for the purpose of evacuating to the United States American citizens in the British Isles, and I am instructed formally to request that the German Government give consideration to the granting of a safe conduct for an American vessel destined on a voyage of this nature.
“The vessel which the United States Government desires to send would proceed unarmed and without convoy, would bear the American flag painted on its sides and would move fully lighted at night. Particulars concerning the vessel as well as the course to be followed can be furnished the German Government as soon as safe passage is assured.
“I am directed to express the earnest hope of my Government that the German authorities will grant assurances that the vessel will be able to proceed without interruption or molestation on the part of the air, naval or military forces of Germany, and to request that an early answer be given to this communication in order that arrangements for the evacuation of the American citizens concerned may be begun as quickly as possible.”
The above refers to your telegram No. 4419, October 23, noon. For your information it may be stated that the President Roosevelt is no longer available but should safe conduct be obtained, it is contemplated that another vessel, possibly the Manhattan, may be sent.
- Similar instructions were sent October 26, 3 p.m., to the Ambassador in Italy (No. 511).↩