124.57/59
The Chargé in Norway (Cox) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19.]
Sir: Referring to the Department’s telegrams to the American Embassy at Berlin, No. 1856, July 4 noon, and 1907, July 10, as well as to my No. 437, July 15,35 concerning the closing of this Mission, I have the honor to enclose the German text with English translation of a communication dated July 15, 1940,36 from the office of the German Reichs Commissioner for Occupied Norwegian Territories, which was transmitted to me with a covering note from the Chief of Protocol of the former Norwegian Foreign Office. As will be noted from this somewhat peremptory German communication all members of the diplomatic missions still in Oslo together with their families are to leave Oslo by July 18. In consequence thereof Commercial Attaché Klath and I are leaving Oslo on the morning of July 18.
In the course of the telephone conversation on July 12 with the American Embassy in Berlin I pointed out that it was imperative that Mr. E. Allan Lightner, temporarily attached as Secretary of Legation, be permitted to remain to continue his duties with respect to foreign interests work.
The American Embassy at Berlin at that time stated pending the receipt of orders to the contrary Mr. Lightner should continue his foreign interests work as attached to the American Consulate General, Oslo. No further communication having been received from the American Embassy in Berlin in the matter, Mr. Lightner has been instructed by me to act in accordance with the suggestion above noted.
Respectfully yours,