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

390.1115A/1006: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Lourenço Marques (Preston)

Washington, August 22, 1942—3 p.m.

160. Reference your 192, July 28 transmitting message from MacGowan, Nicol for Gehan. Department beginning receive complaints from returning passengers Gripsholm against MacGowan for extremely inefficient berthing arrangements at Lourenço Marques resulting in great inconvenience passengers all of whom alleged unprovided for long hours up to 2 days with accommodations and obliged therefore remain in public rooms and on deck until cabins assigned them. This said to be in contradistinction to Japanese arrangements under which Japanese passengers received tickets assigning them their cabins as they boarded their ships from Gripsholm.

Please air mail Department immediately complete detailed report of matter including full statement of all that went on from time MacGowan, Nicol arrival to departure Gripsholm in connection with disembarkation Japanese from Gripsholm and embarkation Americans. Compare as far as possible Japanese arrangements. Include your recommendations for arrangements for second exchange.

While MacGowan’s message, your 192, ascribes confusion berthing to difference lists given him before departure with subsequent lists received Department unaware any important difference in two sets lists.

While Department desires above-called-for report for consideration passenger complaints mentioned, it also desires report to enable it consider arrangements for second and any further exchange.

Hull