PRHM: flK
(112) 8787/230
2.CW.CCO 4S4 JC&SUd
Gp 64*f229
(RIOIMINT)
MINUTE SHEET.
Reference_______
Begin by reminding Welles that on September
8th he mentioned the case of the American liner "Santa
Paula" which had been stopped near Curacoa by one of
His Majesty's ships with *&e view to seeing whether any
enemy nationals were on board. The question was taken
up with the Foreign Office and the undesirability of a
repetition of such incidents was emphasized.
The Foreign Office have now informed us of
the latest orders on this subject which have just been
issued to His Majesty's ships.    Copy of these orders is
attached so that they may be read out to Mr. Welles.
Point out to Mr. Welles that these orders
have been drafted largely with a view to American
susceptibilities., and emphasize that we have gone a
long way to meet the Americans by agreeing not to exer-
cise our right to stop and interrogate American ships in
certain areas*    Explain as regards members of enemy
armed forces that only those who are of definite use to
enemy will be removed, and if pressed regarding
technicians explain that these have to be taken into
account in view of the character of modern warfare.
Emphasize point about genuine members of crews and
exemption of outward bound vessels, which is designed
to facilitate departure of genuine refugees from
.Europe.
Suggest that in order to avoid possible
difficulties or delays a hint might be given to United
States shipping lines that Germans of military age will
be liable to removal in European waters, and^tnat while
there is no intention on the part of His Majesty's
Government/
[OYER,
Government of seizing all such persons, trouble might
be saved if United states ships did not embark them.
November 13th, 1939