Fullerton, Hugh S., Paris. To G.S. Messersmith, Washington.
Date
1939-09-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Consolidation plan approved by Ambassador, but suitable only for peace time operation; tremendous job evacuating American tourists and residents; losing no time repatriating non-essential service officers such as Treasury, Agricultural, and Commercial Attachés; routine services of all ministries of French Government transferred to area below Tours; made hurried trip to look over Chateau de Candé, property of Charles Bedaux, as possible place to transfer Embassy if staff has to leave Paris (Duke and Duchess of Windsor married there); Chateau not large; also inspected nearby Chateau of [Geo. Washington] Steele which had been offered Embassy last year; Ambassador [William C. Bullit] informed Foreign Office he was taking over both Chateaux; will need to keep limited staff in Paris for protection purposes; some Americans, resident in France 20 or 30 years, refuse to get out until they hear the sirens; some no longer have valid American passports; Mother staying 22 miles from Paris on Orleans road, an isolated area and as safe as any; no gasoline shortage yet, so commuting every day.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.