340.1115A/2055a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany ( Morris )
1790. As you have doubtless considered, it will be necessary for the Department, in view of the closure of the consulates in German-held territory, to address to the Embassy at Berlin for action whereabouts and welfare inquiries, authorizations remitting private funds for subsistence and repatriation purposes, and other communications which formerly have been sent to the consuls relating to the well-being of Americans in their respective districts. You will appreciate that the Department must continue to provide these humanitarian services at the request of Americans here for their American relatives and friends abroad so long as it is at all possible to do so. The Department hopes, therefore, that you will be able to undertake these services throughout the area from which the consular personnel is being withdrawn; and that, if necessary, you will be able to obtain the cooperation of the German authorities in this connection. In accepting requests for the services referred to the Department will advise the interested persons here of the situation and of the delay which may occur in obtaining replies from the Embassy. Any suggestions or recommendations which you may have to offer in this regard will be appreciatively received and considered by the Department.
[Arrangements were made for the German and Italian consular groups to sail on the American ship West Point leaving New York City July 15, 1941, for Lisbon, Portugal, with a safe-conduct pledge from the British, and for the American consular staffs from Germany, German-occupied territories, and Italy to arrive at Lisbon in time to embark on the West Point for its return voyage.]