340.1115A/551: Telegram
The Minister in Bulgaria (Earle) to the Secretary of State
Sofia, April
22, 1940—3 p.m.
[Received 7:22 p.m.]
[Received 7:22 p.m.]
38. Department’s 16, April 19, 6 p.m.28
- (1)
- Estimate 55 Americans, of whom approximately 16 are indigent and have no relatives, friends, et cetera, from whom to obtain funds, might desire to return to the United States.
- (2)
- The direction of possible invasion of Bulgaria would determine logicality of alternative evacuation routes via Greece, Turkey or Yugoslavia and Italy, and possibility of obtaining transit visas would depend on situation at the time. Danger would be minimized for persons possessing funds but the position of indigents would be difficult. For example, transit visas would probably be refused. In addition, I doubt whether in the event the Department should authorize loans to such indigents after hostilities commenced the National Bank of Bulgaria, if it did not suspend operations entirely, would have American currency available to purchase drafts drawn by the Legation. I fear sale of such drafts for any other currency would be useless. The foregoing considerations prompted my telegram No. 32 of April 13, 5 p.m.,29 requesting the immediate allotment of funds for the repatriation of these people.
Have again strongly urged Americans to return to the United States.
Earle