Nazi Worries

MON 20 MAY 1940
British Prime Minister Churchill, in telegram to President Roosevelt concerning the recent meeting of Lord Lothian (British Ambassador to the U.S.) with the Chief Executive, acknowledges U.S. difficulties but expresses continuing interest in destroyers. "If they were here in 6 weeks," Churchill states, "they would play an invaluable part."

President Roosevelt, in memorandum to Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles, expresses concern over the situation in Uruguay as reported by U.S. Minister Edwin C. Wilson, on 15 May. "Is there some way," Roosevelt asks Welles, "in which the Minister of Uruguay in Washington and Mr. Wilson in Montevideo can get word to the Uruguayan Government that the United States is concerned ...?" Undersecretary Welles, in his response to the President that same day reports that the Uruguayan government has taken steps to investigate Nazi activities in Montevideo (see 26 May).