Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, General, Volume I

124.57/58: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

Berlin, August 15, 1940—noon.
[Received August 15—10:45 a.m.]

3532. I was called to the Foreign Office today to be informed by the Chief of Protocol that the German authorities had decided to request the withdrawal from Norway, Belgium, Luxemburg and Holland of all officers of foreign governments who were diplomats or had appeared on the diplomatic lists in those countries and that in the case of the American Government the following persons were affected by this regulation: Lightner at Oslo; Rankin⁴¹ at Brussels and Waller⁴² at Luxemburg. Although I explained the fact that Lightner had functioned at Oslo solely in his capacity as foreign service officer without any definite diplomatic status (see my 3139, July 29, noon⁴³) I was told that he could not return to Oslo but following the rehearsal of previous explanations regarding Waller I was informed that his case would be considered further. The withdrawal is to be effective by August 30.

I was also informed that requests to close the consular offices in Brussels and The Hague might be expected but that the matter had not been definitely settled and that foreign consular offices would be permitted in other important cities of those countries.

I await the Department’s instructions as to the foregoing and in the meanwhile recommend the assignment of Lightner to this Embassy.

Kirk

41. Karl L. Rankin, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy in Belgium.
42. George P. Waller, Second Secretary of Legation in Luxemburg.
43. Apparently an incorrect reference.