Europe was again an oyster (of sorts) for U.S. tourists to open. The Department of State last week lifted the ban which had restricted European travel almost entirely to Government officials and businessmen since war's end.
But there was still a big "if" to European travel. Tourist applications for passports had to be accompanied by a statement "showing that [the applicant] has fixed return transportation [and] reserved hotel or other accommodations to take care of his food and lodging while abroad."
This meant that some 70,000 Americans could go to Europe this year (prewar high: 260,000). Planes and ships would have room...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
