196.7/3091a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Second Secretary of Embassy in the Soviet Union (Thompson), at Moscow
175. Reference second paragraph of Moscow’s telegram 204, June 22, 4 p.m., from Scovell.78 We are disturbed at this report of the serious conditions prevailing at northern ports for American shipwrecked merchant sailors. Since the Department is charged by law to assist through American consular offices abroad American merchant seamen in distress, it cannot ignore a report of this kind. It would be appreciated if you would cause at once an investigation to be made of the situation of American merchant seamen in Soviet Arctic ports and report your findings to the Department. In view of the number of American vessels which are arriving at these ports the Department is inclined to the view that the time has come when this Government should insist upon the establishment of a consular office in Murmansk or Archangel or perhaps of consular offices in both ports. Such office or offices should, of course, be manned by experienced consular officers of energy and resourcefulness. Your recommendations with regard to the advisability of steps being taken to open such offices would be appreciated.
- Not printed. Robert J. Scovell was an American Red Cross representative in the Soviet Union; in telegram No. 204 he reported the existence of serious conditions and privations for American shipwrecked merchant seamen at northern ports of the Soviet Union. (861.48/2588)↩