868.85/118
The Secretary of State to the Greek Minister (Diamantopoulos)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of July 13, 1942 in regard to the case of Nicholas S. Coumantaros v. Universal Insurance Company, et al, which you state involves an action brought by Nicholas S. Coumantaros, a Greek citizen, owner of the Greek steamship Ekaterini Coumantaros, against a group of underwriters for the return of certain war risk insurance premiums.
You request, in order that Mr. Coumantaros may satisfy the Court that this vessel was requisitioned by and transferred to the use of the Greek Government, that I ask the Attorney General to instruct the appropriate United States Attorney to appear in the proceedings in question in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York with the suggestion that the statements of fact contained in your note, with its enclosure, are true.
Since the action is one between private parties, I am not in a position to comply with your request.
Accept [etc.]