124.613/1142: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
1216. Notwithstanding the most extreme pressure on the Foreign Office since the outbreak of hostilities, and despite repeated assurances that transportation for 11 members of the Embassy staff and baggage would be provided on the train leaving for Vladivostok last night, no transportation was provided although the train left on schedule with a few foreigners but mostly Soviet citizens. The Foreign Office has renewed its assurances that transportation will be provided tonight.
I trust that the Department will make it clear to Oumanski that it expects the Soviet authorities to extend to the Embassy every facility possible during the present critical period.