Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

124.83/88: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

Cairo, July 1, 1942—4 p.m.
[Received 5 p.m.]

1129. Department’s 639, June 30, 3 p.m. Development of evacuation plans under administration of General Maxwell⁴⁵ envisages removal of Americans through Suez where four American freighters are waiting as well as by air to Khartoum, the general destination being Eritrea which appears to be the nearest place of relative safety and where American installations will facilitate care of Americans. There is, however, no enforced evacuation of non-official Americans and those who are leaving have means to take care of themselves. Future moves from Eritrea will be determined upon arrival there. All plans are subject to momentary changes in situation which renders difficult evaluation of relative advantage of different routes as well as to final decision of the British Embassy.

Kirk

45. Brig. Gen. Russell L. Maxwell, Commander, United States Forces in the Middle East.