800.8830/1592: Telegram
The Ambassador in Uruguay ( Dawson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:47 p.m.]
436. Department’s 303, May 27, 7 p.m. and my 433 May 29, 5 p.m. I believe that Guani in particular has from the outset been concerned over the eventual postwar difficulties with the owners of the requisitioned vessels and their Governments. It occurs to me that our efforts to induce the Uruguayan Government to transfer the vessels to American operation might be materially facilitated, if by so doing Uruguay were to be relieved of all responsibility as respects eventual claims. I believe that it would be particularly helpful if we offered to assume in Uruguay’s stead all responsibilities respect eventual claims based not only on its action in transferring the vessels to United States but also on its original action in requisitioning the vessels. Naturally such an offer would refer only to vessels transferred to American operation.
I should appreciate an early reply.