701.6224/76: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Weddell)
154. Following is Legation Bern’s 1115, March 19:
“Swiss Minister, Berlin telegraphs following March 17:
‘We had today interview with Secretary State Weizsaecker and Chief Protocol. In informing them of objections raised in American communication we expressed the desire of protecting power to endeavor overcome as soon as possible remaining difficulties. Secretary State declared that German Government desires proceed as rapidly as possible to a proper exchange and that it has no intention to complicate or delay exchange agreement. Although Germany would prefer to have its diplomats return from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru by port on east coast of South America, German Government agrees that they rejoin group in United States on express condition that every guarantee of [Page 337] security shall be given for their passage to United States. To that end it will be necessary indicate name vessel; its description and characteristic signs, tonnage, owners, port of origin, port of departure and of arrival as well as date of departure and of arrival, route, speed and ports of call. The ship must be illuminated at night and bear the inscription “diplomate,” the German Government must receive these indications 15 days before departure of vessel. German Government will take the necessary steps to obtain guarantee of safe conduct on part of Japanese forces. On the other hand it requests assurance in particular from English authorities that vessel will not be stopped and that the German passengers and their baggage will not be subjected to control or search. Definitive statement on subject of proposal for chartering of Drottningholm has not been given to us as yet as examination by naval authorities not yet completed. Chartering of larger vessel, for example, the Kungsholm or of a second vessel would be appreciated, it appearing the Drottningholm is too small to transport all the official group on a single journey. German Government is of opinion that double voyage should be avoided if possible. Inform American Legation and press to obtain reply as soon as possible.’”54
Department has replied as follows:54a
“Please request Swiss Government to inform German Government that United States Government is providing every possible guarantee of security for the safe passage to the United States of the German officials in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, for the few remaining German officials in Colombia, and for those persons who will be accompanying them.
Two vessels will be used for the movement to the United States, namely:
- (1)
- S. S. Acadia, passenger vessel; navigating bridge forward of foremast; high superstructure from bridge to cruiser stern; two masts; one funnel amid ships; 387 feet long; gross tonnage 6, 185; net tonnage 3,020; owned by Eastern Steamship Company; chartered by United States Government, built 1932. Port of departure Balboa about April 5. Port of arrival Arica, April 10. Leaves Arica April 11, arrives Callao April 13 and leaves April 14; arrives and leaves Guayaquil April 16; arrives and leaves Buenaventura April 18; arrives Balboa April 19; leaves Cristobal April 20; arrives New Orleans April 24. Will proceed by normal route along west coast South America to Panama Canal thence to New Orleans. Speed 18 knots. ‘Diplomate’ in white paint amidships on port and starboard. Will fly pennant for ‘diplomate’ in daylight and illuminated at night. Will run at night fully lighted.
- (2)
- S. S. Etolin, passenger vessel; flush deck; three masts; 1 funnel aft; amidship superstructure; deck house and bridge between foremast and mainmast; gross tonnage 9,728; net tonnage 6, 173; length 480 feet; owners Alaska Packers Association; chartered by United States Government; built 1913. Port of arrival Callao, Peru; leaves Callao April 5; arrives and leaves Guayaquil April 7; arrives and leaves Buenaventura April 9; arrives Balboa April 11; leaves Balboa April 12; arrives San Francisco April 23. Will follow normal route along west coast of South America to Balboa; thence to San Francisco. Speed 15 knots. Word ‘diplomate’ painted white amidships port and starboard. Will fly pennant for ‘diplomate’ which will be illuminated at night. Will run fully lighted at night.
The United States Government will obtain from the British Government assurance that the two vessels in question will not be stopped en route and that the persons on board and their baggage will not be subjected to control or search. The German Government will be promptly informed through Swiss channels of the receipt of these assurances which have already been promised.
Upon arrival in the United States the passengers from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador with their effects will be immediately transported to the eastern part of this country for embarkation on the exchange vessel proceeding to Lisbon.
United States Government believes that the plan set forth above meets all the points of the German communication of March 17 and expects that the German Government for its part will promptly apprise its officials in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia in order that they may lose no time in preparing for the voyage.
Please ask Swiss Government to advise identically Italy, Japan, Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria and advise time of delivery of notice.”
Please convey foregoing to Spanish Foreign Office stating that the texts of these messages have likewise been communicated to the Spanish Embassy at Washington.