From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 675 Date: Thursday, July 18, 2002 8:44 AM ============================================== MPC GRAM ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 003 - Number 675-Thurski 20 July 2002 Embassy Parolees by Larry "Ski" Smulczenski This has been a very busy week and nothing had popped into my mind to write a gram article about.  So after grousing at my wife about having to spend the day trying to come up with some bright idea to write about, I took off for the post office to see what kind of goodies the jolly ole postman had left in my mailbox.  There was some junk mail and a card that said a package  was being held for pickup.  That was good news as that usually meant a collectable or auction catalog too large to be placed in the box.  It turned out to be a large envelope containing an ebay purchase of photographs of an internment camp at Fort Stanton, New Mexico.  There were six 7x9 inch photos of the camp and the men interned there.  I had never heard of Fort Stanton as an internment or POW camp during my research so was interested in finding out more about the camp.  The first thing that caught my eye was a stamp on the backs of the photos that identified them as Associated Press Photos and dated them in April thru June of 1941.  Now this had to be looked at a little more closely.  What were we doing interning folks over six months before Pearl Harbor?  A caption on one of the photos identified it as a picture of seaman from the German Liner Columbus that were interned for the duration of the war after scuttling the ship off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey in December 1939.  The ships name Columbus rang my bell.  I remembered purchasing a Ships money order (Bordanweisung) note from the Columbus a couple of years ago.  This stuck in my mind because it is always a thrill to find something that is not listed in World War II Remembered.  The Bordanweisung notes are pictured in the book but none from the Columbus.  Wow, I said to myself, I think I have a gram article.     I raced home to do a google search for the German Liner Columbus, and at the same time called Fred.  I filled him in on what I found and together we scoured the Internet, immediately being rewarded with the following information.  The "Columbus" was built after World War One  and made her maiden voyage in April 1924.  At that time, Columbus was the largest and fastest ship in the German fleet and was the flagship of the North German Lloyd Company.  Columbus was a very popular and profitable ship for the company as she cruised the North Atlantic.  Her profitability spurred the company to plan and build the luxury liners "Bremen" and "Europa".  When she was displaced as flagship of the Lloyd fleet by the faster express liners, Columbus still spent some summer months on the Atlantic.  However, she spent much of her time cruising to the Caribbean, and indeed, she was in the midst of a Caribbean cruise when World War II started in September 1939.     As with the case of most all liners not in home waters at the start of hostilities, great pains were taken to avoid capture by enemy vessels.  British warships were patrolling the Atlantic and intercepting enemy vessels.  The Columbus discharged her 745 passengers in Havana, Cuba and the officers and crew made plans to return to Europe.  First she docked at Vera Cruz, Mexico to refuel and where Mexican authorities searched her for war materials, finding none, she was permitted to set sail.  She spent the next couple of months making short dashes between neutral Central and South American ports.  On December 19, 1939 she was spotted 450 miles east of Cape May, New Jersey by a British destroyer, HMS Hyperion and ordered to "heave to."   Two warning shots were fired, at which time, the Captain to avert capture, scuttled the ship.  A U.S. Cruiser, Tuscaloosa picked up approximately 579 crewmen and took them to Ellis Island, New York.  Remember, that at this time we were maintaining our neutrality, but the INS was incarcerating a growing number of aliens from Axis nations under the edits of the Geneva Convention (even though we were not a signatory of the Geneva Convention). These men were considered distressed seaman paroled from the German Embassy.  I had never run across this phrase-- distressed seaman paroled from an embassy--before. This may be another classification of internees, along with the second generation Japanese and Italian POW's that became internees after Italy became a non-combatant.        Ellis Island became overcrowded and the Columbus crewmen were transferred to Angel Island, California in San Francisco Bay.  The INS began looking for a place to intern these Axis aliens in 1940.  After a site search, Fort Stanton, New Mexico which is 50 miles northeast of Alamagordo was chosen because of its remote location, warm climate and ability to be put into service in a minimal amount of time.  The U.S. Public Health Service had a hospital there to house men of the Merchant Marine who had contracted tuberculosis.  These patients were moved to other facilities and the crew of the Columbus moved into deserted CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) barracks.  The Captain of the Columbus quickly had his crew working to transform these abandon quarters into fairly luxurious accommodations.  The pictures that I have show them eating lunch in the mess hall, playing tennis, digging a swimming pool and purchasing items at their canteen. It appears that they led a really tough life. You can see them by clicking on the link www.papermoneyworld.net/larry/powcamp.htm   At the end of the war, they were all repatriated to Germany and the Fort again became a hospital for tuberculosis patients.      We currently know of no chits that were issued by the Fort Stanton Internment Camp.  It seems highly likely that some type of scrip had to be in use because you see items such as Lux soap, Muriel cigars, Prince Albert tobacco, cookies and bottles of soda apparently for sale in my photo of the canteen.  I wonder when the first one will appear.  We of course do know of the Bordanweisung note that came from the Columbus that I mentioned before. If you look in World War II Remembered, you will see that by the currency restrictions  imposed by Reichsbank president Dr. Hjalmer Horace Greely Schacht, travelers aboard ships departing Germany could not carry German currency.  To remedy this the Bordanweisung notes were sold to passengers.  On the back in both German and English, was the text "This money-order is valid on board of this ship and for this particular journey only.  Unused orders  will be cashed immediately after landing in Germany.  It is not permissible to cash them later inland as this would be contravening the law.   Orders will not be redeemed in cash when the passenger leaves the ship at a foreign port.  In such instances the orders unused must be handed to the purser who will see that the equivalent value is remitted to the passenger."   Unfortunately the one I have is dated 14 September 1938. You can see it at www.papermoneyworld.net/larry/71702gg.jpg   This is one year before this fateful cruise. Somewhere out there I am sure there is a similar note dated in late August of 1939 that was printed for this voyage.  I sure would like to see that one.  ============================================== Editorial ============================================== Once again, Larry has given us an outstanding feature. Few articles in any numismatic publication have so much new information. Furthermore, his article reintroduces illustrations to the Gram. This is a feature that we have experimented with in the past and which we certainly need. Please give us some feedback on using these links. If all goes well, this will be a regular feature available for all articles. I had never heard of embassy parolees, but I (and Larry too) knew that during the period of neutrality German combatants who found their way to the US were turned over to the German embassy. There was at least one famous case of this. A famous German pilot was captured in England. He escaped, twice I think. He was sent to Canada where it was thought that he would have less chance for a successful escape. He jumped from a train and walked across the frozen Lawrence River to New York. He gave himself up to US authorities who turned him over to the German embassy while it was decided what to do with him. While the decision was being made the embassy sent him back to Germany. Later he was killed in action. I am sorry that I do not recall his name. Fred ============================================== MAIL CALL =============================================== Dear Edior, Where can I obtain the information to sign up for MPC Fest IV, 28 Feb - 2 Mar 2003? Hotels - Places - Costs? There should be a Link in the MPCGram someplace to get this data. The Fest 2003 is a good reason for an adventure driving back to Ohio from CA also to see the family members. The July 2002 issue of the Banknote Reporter has a photo on the cover of Carlson Chambliss with an uncut sheet of MPC reproductions. The note says that these 107 reproduction note sets are available with a 2 year subscription to the Banknote Reporter. My question are how to obtain a set and is the word "reproduction" printed on each of these notes? It should be. Thanks Richard A. Ziegler CMSgt, USAF Retired Dear Chief, Fest registration has been $149 for the past two years. It will probably be the same this year though it might go up just a little (trying to cut losses). Registration includes hotel room, meals and participation. It is based upon double occupancy. If you want a room to yourself or with a family member, there is a modest supplement. We would be thrilled to have you at the Fest and can guarantee a good time! Give us the word and we will add you to the list (below). Yes, the Champlis repros are marked. Each piece has the word "COPY" on the back. Editor ================================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS ================================================ 2002 WESPMEX:27 - 28 July Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 175 Dealers Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY ANA Annual Convention, New York City, July 30 (PNG Day), July 31- August 4. (MESSAGE CENTER? (Active Monday, July 28, through Sunday, August 4) Message center phone 719/499-3591) The IBNS General Meeting is at 11AM on Saturday morning and it is followed by the NI General Meeting at 12 Noon in the same room. Howard Daniels will be moderating both meetings and will be running a "show and tell" with the attendees. Bring your stuff to NYC and show it off! Dallas Aug 21-24 National paper money and historical artifacts show at the Sheraton Grand hotel at DFW Airport. An auction will be held Friday and Saturday nights. POW Conference ?5 ?8 October Iowa, Confirmed participants: Feller, Smulczenski, Schwan WESPMEX:11 - 13 October Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 100 Dealers Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY WESPMEX:29 November - 1 December Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 160 Dealers Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY 2003 CPMX 9: 20 - 23 February, Chicago, IL MPC Fest IV: 28 Feb - 2 March, Port Clinton, OH Fest Registrants: Doug Bell, Joe Boling, Guido Crapanzano, Dick Freyser, Philip M. Goldstein, Gary Hicks, Harold Kroll, Jack Lippincot, Kevin Maloy, Leo May$$, Fred Schwan, David Seelye, Nick Shrier, Larry Smulczenski, Warner Talso, Marcus Turner, Tom Warburton, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Tom Koch, Nancy and John Wilson $$ = Paid Running total: 22 ANA:21-23 March 2003, March, Charlotte, NC ================================================== Subscription information: You can enter an email address to receive the gram by using the link below. Use this to change your address (add the new one), add a friend or enemy. http://www.papermoneyworld.net/WebMailList/Default.asp =================================================== HOT CONTACT LIST - DEALER & RESOURCE LIST Below is the BNR Press Hot Contact List. This list serves several functions. Obviously it is an outreach by the dealers listed for your business. Most of them buy and sell MPC. Others organize shows or publish periodicals, or furnish information dedicated to this field. They have supported the new Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates with their advertising. They deserve your support and patronage! Name phone fax / cell email Allens (614) 882-3937 (614) 882-0662 info@allens.com American Coins & Collectibles (800) 865-3562 American Numismatic Ass'n(800) 367-9723 ana@money.org Guy Araby(562) 945-7891(310) 508-0018 guyaraby@earthlink.net Bob Baker(713) 864-3122 Ken Barr (408) 272-3247 ken@kenbarr.com Fred Bart (810) 979-3400 Dick Balbaton(508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154 RJBalbaton@aol.com Keith and Suzanne Bauman (248) 262-1514 tnaksbauman@earthlink.net Joe Bissell (602) 440-0442 (602) 494-9103 BNR Press(419) 732-6683 (419) 732-6683 fredschwan@yahoo.com Remy Bourne(800) 789-7070 (763) 789-4747 Ed Carne (614) 882-3937 (614) 882-0662 info@allens.com Champion Stamp (212)489-8130 (212) 581-8130 Cookie Jar Collectibles (301) 604-9225 cjcpi@comcast.net Guido Crapanzano [39] 2-8056228 [39] 2-4459856 Currency Dealer Newsletter (310) 515-7369 David F. Cieniewicz(205)852-7015 CGC (602) 493-4758 (602) 494-9103 sales@gradedcurrency.com Mike Cummings (863)603-9899 (863) 603-9880 mpccoin@hotmail.com Cygnet Charters(419) 734-2422 Ray Czahor (301) 604-9225 cjcpi@comcast.net Doric Coins & Currency (508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154 FUN(407) 321-8747 Philip M. Goldstein (845) 254-MPC1 [6721] iwantmympc@aol.com or MPC Website Great Lakes Bank Note Company(419) 732-6683 IBNS joeboling@aol.com Essie Kashani(909) 627-3996 (909) 627-2776 kashani10@aol.com Lowel Horwdel (765) 583-2748 (765) 583-4584 horwdel@inshightbb.com Lyn Knight(800) 243-5211 Krause Publications (715) 445-2214 (715) 445-4087 bnr@krause.com Harold Kroll(251) 649-5134 HARBONS@aol.com Leo May (305) 271-8391(305) 720-0659 LeoMayEnt@aol.com or Wide World of Banknotes Ian Marshall(416) 445-0286 (416) 445-0286 iam@total.net Memphis Coin Club (901) 757-2515 MPCGram (419) 732-6683 MPCGram@yahoo.com Bob Reed(504) 361-5684 bobreed@rrcoins.net Fred Schwan (419) 732-6683 (419) 732-6683 FredSchwan@yahoo.com David Seelye(585) 594-1987 (585) 594-2311 coinman@rochester.rr.com Richie Self (318) 868-9077 R. M. Smythe(800) 622-1880 (212) 908-4047 www.smytheonline.com Mel Steinberg & Son(415) 453-9750 (415) 457-4432 melsteinberg@mindspring.com Military Trader(800) 334-7165 Scott Winslow Associates (603)472-7040 (603) 472-8773 scott@scottwinslow.com George Warner(307) 672-3700 Pam West [44] 0208 641 3224[44] 0208 641 3224 pamwestbritnotes@compuserve.com =================================================== POST / BASE EXCHANGE(PX/BX/NEX) Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale, purchase or trade will be run here for free. Send your ads to the gram. This service is for everyone, most humble dealer or most advanced collector. The point is to make the gram more interesting. In all cases confirm your order via email first. Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates - 4th Edition by Fred Schwan Standard Edition (400 pages!) $ 50 Collectors's Edition (432 pages!) $ 95 Researcher's Edition (432 page, 46 produced, limited to availability)$125 All orders plus $4 shipping per order (NOT per book). Send snail mail payment to: BNR Press 132 E. Second Street Port Clinton, OH43452 or PayPal using email: fredschwan@yahoo.com WANTED SECTION: Collectors may submit lists of items wanted for their collections for listing here. Dealers and collectors who have these items, are then encouraged to list them for sale in the above section as a reply. Wanted listings will run for a period of 1 month. WANTED - Fancy Series 641 fractional notes - any condition. (5/18) WANTED - Philippine Guerrila Money (5/26) =================================================== MPC CATALOG CORRECTIONS & ENHANCEMENTS Page 18, Bottom - Users of Military Payment Certificates Check marks were omitted from production copies of books. Please check off the following: Australia: 641, 661, 681, 692 Canada:461 through and including 591 Korea: 641, 661, 681, 692 New Zealand:641, 661, 681, 692 Thailand: 641, 661, 681, 692 United States: All (date listed: 02 APRIL 2002) Page 201, Bottom Right - Very last sentence on this page Two serial numbers listed for the second printing of Series 472 .50 cent notes. The first serial number listed is obviously in error as a nine digit number: C040351392C Correct Serial Number is: C04035139C D Freyser (date listed 10 April 2002) Page 207, #833/4 - Series 481 .25 4th Printing (table listing serial number breakdowns) line 5 Start Number is incorrect. It appears as: (start) D14784001D(end) D14784000D Correct start number should be: D09408001D PK6 (date listed: 03 APRIL 2002) Page 214, #855/r2 - Series 541 $1 Replacements, Ending serial number is incorrect Correct number is F1112000 (date listed: 02 APRIL 2002) Page 220, #884/2r - Series 641 .50 Replacements On page 284, it is broken down into 2 printings. That's correct, BUT, on page 220 he lists only (1) printing reported. It should "list" both first and second printings. Guy Araby (date listed 04 APRIL 2002) Page 287, Series 661 Series Summary, 25 cent note: the "list" shows "#CU as 10(7) . It should read, 8(7). As only 8 are known in CU. Just recount P.289. Guy Araby (date listed 08 APRIL 2002) Page 398, Series #541 $10 on "UNC." price is $2500, on P.214 the UNC. price is $3500. Also the rest of the prices don't match all the way to "VG" on this issue. They should be the same price. Guy Araby (date listed 08 APRIL 2002) =================================================== MPC Gram Staff: Publisher: Fred Schwan - MPCGram@yahoo.com Editor: Philip M. Goldstein - IWANTMYMPC@aol.com Subscription Manager:Doug Bell - doug@papermoneyworld.net Tuesday Columnist : Joe Boling - JoeBoling@aol.com Thurski Columnist: Larry "Ski" Smulczenski - skifla@prodigy.net Friday Columnist:Fred Schwan - MPCGram@yahoo.com Critic: Harold Kroll - HARBONS@aol.com Distribution Manager: Brad Peacock -bp22@swbell.net Scholarship Coordinator: Marcus Turner - maturner@indy.rr.com Index & Back Issue Manager:vacant Webmaster & Technical Advisors:Doug Bell "Wiz" - doug@papermoneyworld.net Russ Walsh - russ.walsh@gte.net Fact Checker: Warner Talso - Calendar Coordinator: John & Nancy Wilson - The Boss: Judy Schwan ===== MPC Gram is published by BNR Press and apermoneyworld.com as a free service to the community of military money collectors. Your suggestions, criticisms,complaints, editorial contributions, letters, and even praise are very welcome. The entire contents including linked illustrations are copyright protected by the publishers. In the case of contributors, the copyright is protected on behalf of the creators. Please send all correspondence regarding the gram to MPCgram@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your participation. ===== MPC Gram is published by BNR Press and papermoneyworld.com as a free service to the community of military money collectors. Your suggestions, criticisms, complaints, editorial contributions, letters, and even praise are very welcome. The entire contents including linked illustrations are copyright protected by the publishers. In the case of contributors, the copyright is protected on behalf of the creators. Please send all correspondence regarding the gram to MPCgram@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your participation. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Autos - Get free new car price quotes http://autos.yahoo.com