800.8830/1409a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile ( Bowers )34
250. The Department has been notified by the War Shipping Administration that war needs have made necessary the withdrawal of [Page 97] all United States passenger vessels serving South America from New York. It will, of course, be impossible to replace those withdrawn previously. The Department is aware of the hardships which this step will cause to the country to which you are accredited but it is confident that these will be willingly accepted in view of the tremendous importance of these vessels in the war effort. The War Shipping Administration and the Department both realize the desirability of reestablishing passenger service and will seek to do so as soon as the military situation permits. Please inform seaport consulates.
- The same telegram was sent to the Embassies in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela, and to the Legation in Ecuador.↩