811.91262/324: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany ( Morris )

1756. The Department has been discussing with the German Embassy here the possibility of effecting the release of Allen, Hottelet and Nelson, in exchange for the release of Zapp and Tonn, representatives of the Trans-Ocean News Service, at present held by the immigration authorities in New York. The Department has been awaiting further information on this matter from Berlin but apparently no definite decision has been taken to date.

You are authorized orally to bring this proposal to the attention of the Foreign Office, stating that this Government is disposed to release Zapp and Tonn and favorably to consider including Rieth, provided Allen, Hottelet and Nelson are released by the German authorities.

Welles