Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, General and Europe, Volume II

340.1115A/513: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden ( Sterling )

Washington , April 10, 1940—9 p.m.

62. Your 48, April 10, 3 p.m.⁷ The answer to your numbered questions⁸ is No, except as to number 3 which will be answered tomorrow.

In view of the dangers attending passenger transportation through northern waters, it has been decided that Americans desiring return from the Scandinavian countries must proceed south to embark from Mediterranean ports. Consequently passports may be validated only for such travel for Americans desiring to return to the United States. Tralleborg–Sassnitz route appears desirable. Air service Stockholm-Berlin if neutral line also approved. Department is asking Embassy Berlin endeavor facilitate speedy transit visas for Americans from Scandinavian countries proceeding to United States via Mediterranean ports.

Department desires to afford you every possible assistance in arranging repatriations. Therefore please telegraph as soon as possible (1) estimated total number of Americans desiring return to the United States (2) estimate of allotment you need for making loans to citizens requiring funds for repatriation in accordance with the provisions of the secret memorandum accompanying the Department’s confidential circular of March 21, 1939^8a and (3) recommendations as to action Department may take to facilitate repatriations.

In regard to (2) above, persons having funds will be expected to bear cost of transportation. Loans may only be made to persons whose bona fide American citizenship is fully established except that they may be advanced to the American head of a family to cover transportation expenses for an accompanying alien wife and minor unmarried children in such cases as are necessary.

Hull

7. Telegram No. 48, not printed, was sent by the Consul General at Stockholm.
8. Questions 1, 2, and 4 were as to validating passports for Americans to return to the United States from Göteborg on Swedish-American line, by air service, if reestablished, Stockholm–Copenhagen–Amsterdam, or on Norwegian Line if service were reestablished from Bergen.
9. Foreign Relations, 1939, vol. i, p. 574.