859.86/18

The Department of State to the Danish Legation

Memorandum

The Danish Minister’s memorandum of September 12, 1941 with regard to difficulties experienced by Danish seamen in the requisition of Danish vessels by the United States Government was referred to the United States Maritime Commission for its attention. There is quoted below an excerpt from a communication of the Chairman of the Commission dealing with the various points raised in the memorandum under acknowledgement.

The Flag—While the Danish Legation may have found it difficult to explain to Danish seamen the necessity for the transfer of Danish vessels requisitioned by the United States to the Panamanian flag, circumstances, nevertheless, made such a decision by our Government necessary.

“As to the vessels transferred to American registry, the many difficulties which originally confronted the Commission have now been overcome, and a final understanding has been reached with the unions concerned, resulting in allowing Danish officers and seamen to remain with their vessels. This is true in the case of the vessels moved from the Philippine Islands to the mainland, notwithstanding the statement to the Danish Legation by the captain of one of these vessels.

“I refrain from commenting upon the question of safety on ex-Danish vessels flying the American flag and from making any reference to the sinking of the Sessa.

Wages—American seamen sailing on Panamanian flag freighters receive the same pay and work under the same conditions as Danish seamen on Panamanian flag freighters. A wage scale for vessels under Panamanian flag owned by the United States has been approved by the Commission, which is being paid on these vessels regardless of the nationality of their crews.

[Page 87]

“If the wage of Danish officers, received prior to the occupation of Denmark, is based on the Kroner’s former value, there may be a few masters of the larger vessels who receive less pay now. But, while the Danish Kroner today has little or no value at all, except possibly, for that which the United States declares, there should, therefore, be no question as to the amount paid not being both adequate and justifiable. Many foreign officers and seamen sailing seized former Italian vessels seem quite satisfied with the wages and conditions which are the same as are paid to Danish seamen under the Panamanian flag.

Protection of Ships—It is true that no small arms were provided for the MV Norden on a recent voyage to Lisbon. As you know, however, naval guns are being installed on all of the ex-Danish vessels traveling on routes where such protection is deemed necessary, and these installations will be completed as speedily as possible.

Names of Ships—Most, if not all, ex-Danish vessels have had their names changed as well as all other marks of identification removed. Those which still remain under their former name will not leave a United States port until such change is accomplished.

Back Wages, etc.—In every case where a Danish officer or seaman has signed foreign articles signifying his willingness to remain in our employ, either on the vessel on which he served at the time of taking of his vessel or any other ex-Danish vessel, he has received his accrued wages. Also, those who, in the future sign foreign articles, will receive their back pay immediately after signing.

“In checking our records with respect to wages due Danish seamen for the period their vessel was in the hands of the Commission we find that every master, officer and seaman has received his full pay for the entire period, and those who are serving on vessels which have not been turned over to a charterer, are receiving their full pay from the Commission’s office in the District in which they may be, every fifteen days.

Circular Letter—Because of the many uncertainties of the status of these Danish seamen, the necessity of compliance with the Requisition Act of June 6, 1941,50 and the delay in obtaining the interpretation with regard to the Just Provisions and many other matters, the mailing of the Statement to these seamen was delayed unavoidably.

“The statement with a covering letter over my signature was mailed to the Master of each vessel on August 19, 1941. As none has been returned, we assume they have been delivered. In addition to the above, numerous copies were sent to the Danish Legation, former owners, agents and Commission offices for distribution. Every ex-Danish vessel with which we have been in contact advises that a copy of the statement was received. It was not only extremely difficult, but practically impossible, to embody answers to every question anticipated.

“I hope that this clarifies the points raised by the Danish Minister.”

  1. 55 Stat. 242.