340.1115A/3: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
982. Personal from the Secretary for the Ambassador. Please refer to final paragraph of your 2000, September 16, 1 P.M. Our telegram circular 56 to Berne27 was despatched with the hope that such cooperation between our missions would contribute to the building of the good neighbor spirit. It was quickly apparent that the scope of our possible assistance was misconstrued in certain places and we have done what we could to clarify the limitations under which our officers must perform their functions.
We cannot send ships for citizens of other nations; we cannot even accept nationals of other countries on diverted ships for which we are assuming responsibility for eventual operating losses.
I realize the burden that this circular has placed on you at a time when you are carrying through a trying task so successfully, and hope that you will do your utmost to realize the purpose of our original circular, difficult as the situation may be for you.
I append a list of references which together will give you a full picture of how we envisage the activities of our officers abroad in this connection.
To Berne, 56, August 31, 8 P.M. Circular.
To Berne, 71, September 9, 3 P.M. Circular.28
Your 1745, September 2, and 1805, September 6, 3 P.M.29 and my 730, September 3, 7 P.M.