811.248/813: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:20 p.m.]
1304. With further reference my 1295, December 15 and 1302, December 16. It is my understanding that, if crew which brings Liberator back to Eskisehir wear civilian clothing and carry American passports which have been duly visaed by Turkish Consul, there should be no difficulty in arranging for their immediate departure from Turkey.
Captain Frederick Nesbitt and Captain Lyman Smith, two more of our interned aviators who under instructions from Embassy have not given their parole, escaped yesterday from their quarters in Ankara and are now on board the British steamer Gienbank which is about to sail from Iskenderun for Port Said.
Please inform General Arnold.