123R19/130a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nantes (Ravndal)

Proceed Constantinople early as practicable for purpose reestablishing Consulate General. Consuls Chesbrough, Morris and George Young also ordered Constantinople. Moorhead ordered Nantes to take charge Consulate. Allen should remain Nantes three or four weeks until Moorhead familiar with duties and should then proceed to Constantinople. You and other consular officers are sent in a purely consular capacity without exequatur subject to permission to act being granted by the de facto authorities in control and with the express understanding that your resumption of duties with regard to American commerce should have no political significance or be regarded as a recognition of the rightfulness of control of such local authorities. You will confine your work strictly to consular duties. Heck will remain in charge of political matters in Constantinople. Jackson being ordered Aleppo under similar instructions and Glazebrook now enroute Jerusalem.

Polk