857.0011/40: Telegram

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

1186. Your 1615, June 12, 6 p.m. The President asked me to request you to tell the Norwegian Minister that the President of course [Page 169] will give every possible consideration to the request made concerning the Crown Princess and her children. It would be impossible for the President to send an American ship to Goteborg or any other Swedish port on account of the existing danger involved. He has, however, communicated with the German Government to ascertain whether it would be feasible and safe to send an American vessel to the port of Petsamo to take on board the Princess and her family, as well as American refugees in northern Europe. In the event that the German Government refuses to give the necessary assurances, the President will then inquire of the Soviet Government whether it will guarantee a safe voyage for the Crown Princess and her family to Vladivostok. If the Soviet Government gives the necessary assurances the President will arrange to have a ship meet the Crown Princess and her children at Vladivostok and transport them to the United States.

I shall advise you subsequently of the results of these negotiations.

Hull