124.60I/26: Telegram
The Chargé in Estonia (Leonard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 24—4:40 p.m.]
103. In visiting the Foreign Office today I was told informally that its functions would probably cease about August 1 next and that the Legations would then be required to close and their personnel to leave shortly thereafter, probably within a month or possibly in a fortnight.
In talking with several of my colleagues they inform me that they hope to continue consular functions at least for a few months to give time to close their affairs. I believe it would be advisable to take such steps as the Department might deem expedient to continue our consular functions at least until there has been ample time to protect [Page 404] American citizens and interests and to close our affairs. Packing and shipping facilities are very slow and limited and it will be difficult to sell anything.