340.1115A/2043a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt)
833. Your 1178, June 20, 3 p.m.12 Unless you perceive good reason to the contrary, Department considers that it would be advisable, in the light of the information reported by you, for you again to advise [Page 406] any remaining American citizens, particularly women and children, to leave the country and return to the United States, extending to them such assistance as may be possible.
Because of German refusal to grant transit visas to Americans for travel through Germany to Lisbon, it appears that the only route still open to Americans desiring to return to the United States from Soviet Russia is via Siberia. In order that you may be able to make available to Americans requesting it all possible information that might be helpful, you should communicate in this connection with the consulate at Vladivostock and with the Embassy at Tokyo.
You will of course continue to keep the Department informed regarding developments, particularly as they relate to the welfare of Americans.
- Not printed; in this telegram the Ambassador reported that a German informant had brought word to him that in his opinion it would be wise “to evacuate immediately American children or any American women who could not stand a severe shock.” (740.0011 European War 1939/12251)↩