740.00111A Passenger Travel/4: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State

1535. After discussion with the Admiralty I propose to issue, subject to your approval, the following warning to Americans here:

“Ambassador Kennedy feels that it is his duty to warn American citizens taking passage on vessels of belligerent nations that, when [Page 599] such vessels are being convoyed, the opposing belligerent may claim the right to sink them without warning”.

The Admiralty has further suggested that after “the opposing belligerent may” there should be added “irrespective of international law”.

What do you want us to say?

Kennedy