340.1115A/527: Telegram
The Minister in Denmark (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:52 p.m.]
96. Department’s 29, April 10, 9 p.m. I find my Dutch colleague has a number of citizens anxious for repatriation to Holland. We are of the opinion that representations from us to the appropriate authorities might secure a special train leaving Denmark for Holland. [Page 75] This train might be locked and under German guard while traversing Germany as was the case with the recent diplomatic evacuation train when German visas were not required. The exchange situation would be simpler in evacuating these American citizens from Holland to a Mediterranean port than from Denmark. I learn from a contact in the German Legation that it is very unlikely American citizens would be given visas to travel through Germany to Italy without considerable delay except as a group since each application would have to be considered separately in Berlin. Therefore the evacuation of Americans from Denmark to Holland if possible as above might prove the most practical route. Have I authority to approach the appropriate authorities on this general plan?
I am not able yet to determine the number of Americans who desire to leave. I am unable to state how many Americans will require assistance until I know whether the Department authorizes me to attempt evacuation from here to Holland with attendant travel expenses of American citizens only that far.