390.1115A/793: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
101. Your 115, April 20.39 Department anticipates that there will be ample accommodations for American citizens desiring repatriation on two vessels which will shortly call at Karachi. Department is requesting the Consulate at Bombay to telegraph you details concerning these vessels and to keep you currently informed regarding developments concerning them.
Recently, in reply to an inquiry from the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, New York, the Department stated that in view of the dangers potential in the international situation, American citizens having no urgent or compelling reasons to remain abroad, particularly women and children, would be well advised to return to the safety of the United States while travel facilities are available without waiting for an emergency to develop.
In the circumstances the Department will hot advise Board of Foreign Missions to instruct its missionaries to leave Iran since the decision whether to leave appears to be one for the individuals concerned in consultation with their employers. Department is, however, advising Board of Foreign Missions that Legation at Tehran is, informed concerning the availability of vessels for the repatriation of Americans desiring to return from the Middle East.
- Not printed.↩