740.00111A Recruiting/255
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 5, 1942.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that certain of the American members of the Civilian Technical Corps have been found unsuited or unfitted for work in that organization and it has been necessary for the British authorities to repatriate them to the United States. Several of the men have been sent home on compassionate grounds, but five have been returned as they were considered to be disturbing elements or because they were insubordinate. As far as is known, only one case of insubordination is pending at the present time and this person is to be returned to the United States by the first available transportation.
From time to time, members of the Civilian Technical Corps appear at this office to complain that they do not like the conditions in the camps and that the work is not of the kind for which they signed contracts to do. Others claim that things were misrepresented to them in the United States.
I have discussed the entire problem with Mr. Gill, the Commandant of the Civilian Technical Corps, who is an American citizen, and also with two or three British officials. They are of the opinion that there was no actual misrepresentation, but do admit that the recruiting personnel in the United States probably painted an over-enthusiastic picture. It is understood that the recruiting officers have already been informed that they are to be more explicit in the future in order to avoid dissatisfaction.
[Page 397]In the main, dissatisfaction has arisen through the inability of the men to visualize living conditions, and to adapt themselves to the inconveniences and restrictions that exist. Some of them are frankly homesick.
Since the declaration of war upon the United States by Japan, many of the Civilian Technical Corps men have called and desire to be released in order to join the American forces. The British authorities have, as yet, given no indication as to any action they may take in the premises.
Respectfully yours,
American Consul