811.91262/315: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State

2280. Department’s 1445, May 21, 8 p.m. and my despatch 5113 of May 19 last22 concerning detention of Jay Allen. On May 27 a written communication to the Foreign Office expressed the expectation that a reply would in the near future be made to the Embassy’s note of May 8 [Page 616] respecting the detention of Allen. Late yesterday a communication was received from the Foreign Office reading as follows in translation:

“The Foreign Office has the honor to inform the Embassy of the United States of America with reference to its note verbale of May 8 last, number 2150,23 that the assumption that the American National, Jay Allen, has been subjected to a more severe treatment than other persons who in the same way as he crossed the demarcation line clandestinely is incorrect. If Allen still finds himself in prison at Chalonsur-Saône this is for the reason that there are two judicial orders for his arrest: A German order of arrest based on unauthorized crossing of the demarcation line and an order of arrest issued by the French Judge of Investigation in Vichy on the ground of participating in the theft of official French documents (official French documents which had been stolen from French officials were found on Allen). Allen has further through his conduct brought upon himself the suspicion of having engaged in espionage. On this charge an investigation is being carried on against him which has not yet been concluded.

“In respect to a visit to Allen by one of the officials of the American representation in Paris the latter will receive word directly.”

Repeated to Vichy.

Morris
  1. Neither printed.
  2. Not printed.