OMiclals of the United States Lines, owners of the Washington, declined to comment on the order for the preparation of the vessel for sailing, The order was received late las night from Washington where Mr. John. M. Franklin, president of the U.S. Linos, is conferring with omelals of the US, Maritime Commission The United States has sum cient tonnage in the Pacific to take care of approximately 15,000 Americans. in the Far East who are expected to respond to the State Department's "suuestion"® for evacuation.
The Washington can be made ready. for a voyage ina few days and probably will sail on Thursday oF carlier "if workmen" are able accelerate the task of placing extra sleeping facilities. in. public rooms.
Maritime Commission officials yesterday revealed that negotiations
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.