859.85/560a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Denmark (Perkins)
51. As you are aware, a number of foreign vessels, including some of German and Italian nationality, have for many months sought refuge in the ports of the United States and have enjoyed the hospitality and protection of this Government.
On Saturday, March 29, the United States Coast Guard received reliable information to the effect that the crews of these vessels had been instructed to sabotage and disable these ships. In an effort to prevent such action, the Coast Guard immediately placed guards on the vessels. These guards found that in many cases extensive machinery sabotage had already taken place. It was therefore decided to assume protective control over the vessels under U. S. C, Title 50, Section 191 made effective by Presidential Proclamation and Rules and Regulations, June 27, 1940,41 and to place their crews under custody in order to avoid further damage to the ships as well as possible injury to the ports and harbors of the United States.
In order to avoid possible damage to Danish vessels lying in United States ports, it was decided to take these vessels also under protective control and to place guards on board. In taking this action, the United States government authorities met with full cooperation on the part of Danish officers and crews. The status of officers and crews of these vessels is being studied. They are being accorded special courtesies and are not subjected to association with the German [Page 78] and Italian crews. It is desired to create as little disturbance with regard to the status of these vessels as possible.
The emergency of the matter was so great that it was not possible for the Department to give any advance notice.
In your discretion you are authorized to communicate as much of the foregoing to the Danish authorities as you deem appropriate.
- 54 Stat. (pt. 2) 2711.↩