-2- The two vessels furnished by the War Department would make the West Coast of South America trip to the United States. Assignment of the passenger vessels will have the following effect: 1. The discontinuance of American passenger service to the East Coast of South America formerly performed by the SSs URUGUAY, BRAZIL and ARGENTINA. (The ARGENTINA is now in the southwestern Pacific.) 2. Complete discontinuance of American passenger service to Venezuela and to the West Coast of South America. These services were formerly performed by the SSS SANTA ROSA, SANTA PAULA and SANTA ELENA (all three are now in military service) and by the SANTA LUCIA and SANTA CLARA, now required by 'the War Department. (The only remaining American passenger service to the East Coast of South America will be four vessels operated from the Gulf by the Mississippi Shipping Company, each vessel having a capacity of. approximately 45 passengers.) 3. The SANTA PAULA, now included in the new military movement, was about to perform a military mission to the Red Sea which would have to be postponed. The assignment of approximately 16 cargo vessels for the proposed military movement would have the following effect: 1. It would involve the employment of 13 EC-2 vessels scheduled for delivery on the Pacific Coast during February and March. The remaining three vessels can undoubtedly be supplied from tom, age already allocated to the War Department. 2. The 13 vessels are suitable for the Russian service, are so intended, and their assignment for other purposes will further 'jeopardize the fulfillment of this commitment. 3. The maintenance of the contemplated movement would require the furnishing, beginning in April, of approximately four vessels monthly. |