340.1115A/523a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Belgium (Cudahy)
43. In view of the dangers attending passenger transportation through northern waters it has been decided that Americans desiring to return to the United States from northern Europe must proceed south to embark from Mediterranean ports. Consequently, passports may be validated only for such travel for Americans desiring to return to the United States.
Department is confident you have been and are doing everything proper and possible to facilitate the departure of Americans in Belgium desiring to return to the United States. In view of recent [Page 74] European developments and the possible spread of hostilities the Department desires to renew its efforts, in combination with yours, and without causing undue alarm, to expedite the return of Americans from Belgium. Therefore, please telegraph as soon as possible (1) estimated number of Americans desiring to return to United States, (2) estimate of allotment you need for making loans to citizens requiring funds for repatriation in accordance with the provisions of the secret memorandum accompanying Department’s confidential circular of March 29 [21], 1939,12 and (3) brief advice regarding possible arrangements for evacuation of citizens from Belgium and their transit to Mediterranean ports, including indication of possible routes and facility in obtaining necessary visas, after consulting other missions as necessary in connection therewith, and (4) recommendations as to any action Department may take to facilitate repatriations.
In regard to (2) above, persons having funds will be expected to bear cost of transportation. Loans may only be made to persons whose bona fide American citizenship is fully established except that they may be advanced to the American head of a family to cover transportation expenses for an accompanying alien wife and minor unmarried children in such cases as are necessary. Loans may not be made for subsistence and removal from place to place of Americans remaining abroad. They may only be made for transportation and for temporary subsistence in connection therewith. Procedure indicated in basic instruction of March 21, 1939, as modified by circular telegrams to Bern numbers 52,13 55,14 75,15 78,16 and 90,17 relating to investigation of ability of friends, relatives, or employers in United States to furnish funds in each case must be followed.
Repeat to Legation at The Hague as applying to the Netherlands also.
- Foreign Relations, 1939, vol. i, p. 574.↩
- August 26, 1939, 7 p.m., ibid., p. 591.↩
- August 30, 1939, 8 p.m., ibid., p. 592.↩
- September 12, 1939, 7 p.m., ibid., p. 600.↩
- September 15, 1939, 4 p.m., ibid., p. 602.↩
- September 29, 1939, 2 p.m., ibid., p. 616.↩