File No. 855.48/591
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 5, midnight.]
866. Prentiss Gray, director in Brussels of American Relief Commission for Belgium, arrived Berne, May 3, with only remaining American delegates as follows: Carstairs, Wickes, Pate, Dangerfield, Stone, Mrs. Laura Sherman Gray, child and nurse. Gray stated that the reorganization plan as outlined by Hoover had been formally accepted by Dutch and Spanish Ministers and Comité National at Brussels and the signed acceptance mailed to Hoover at London, April 30, through Spanish pouch. The Dutch Director Langenberg had arrived; Spanish Director Pedro Saura expected Brussels, May 2. Gray stated that German authorities in Belgium have been fully advised of reorganization plan and acquiesce therein.
[Page 663]I was informed by Gray that no difficulty in leaving Belgium or crossing Germany experienced by party which was accompanied to Berne by German officer who facilitated journey. I was further advised by Gray that there are in Belgium a number of private American citizens anxious to leave country to whom German authorities have refused passports. He stated that Spanish Minister, Brussels, had communicated with Whitlock in this regard.
Gray proceeding immediately to London to join Hoover, and other members party leaving Switzerland shortly for Paris.