Morgan Stanley, the firm hardest hit by today’s attacks in the United States, has thousands of retail personnel in peril in the collapse of the World Trade Center.

In a message from Morgan Stanley chairman Philip Purcell, the firm said, “We are all saddened and outraged by the attack on America today, and extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to all the people affected. As you have seen in media reports, two towers of the World Trade Center have collapsed after a series of explosions. Some 3,500 people working for Morgan Stanley’s individual investor businesses were based in the World Trade Center complex.”

Purcell continues, “We have limited information about the Trade Center disaster beyond what has been reported in the news. Our key focus and concern are for the well-being and safety of Morgan Stanley employees. We are working with local authorities, and we will keep you apprised of developments.” A call center has been established for employee-related safety concerns at 888-883-4391.

The firm committed itself to resuming business despite the calamity. “We want our clients to know today that in spite of this tragedy, all of our businesses are functioning and will continue to function. We are committed to resume full operations as exchanges and markets reopen. All our clients should rest assured that their assets are safe and our financial advisors will soon be in contact with our individual investors to answer questions and address their concerns,” said Purcell.

The statement noted that institutional clients concerned about specific positions or operations should call their established contacts.

Two other firms affected by today’s attack on the World Trade Center, Cantor Fitzgerald International and eSpeed International, have issued statements indicating they are unaware of the status of their employees in their New York offices.

The London offices of trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald and electronic market eSpeed say they “are doing everything possible to assess the situation at their world headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City”. Both companies had operations on the 101, 103, 104 and 105 floors. Approximately 1,000 people are employed by the two companies at the World Trade Center.

“Currently we are unable to determine how many employees were in the building at the time of the attack or confirm if they were safely evacuated.”

“All of our thoughts and prayers are with our NY colleagues and their families and friends at this time,” said Howard Lutnick, chairman of both companies. “In a very difficult and confused situation we are doing all that we can to determine more about the situations of colleagues.”

The companies ask that anyone who can confirm the safety of any of the potentially affected employees to phone 212-704-8188. Relatives and friends who wish to inquire about employees should call 866-326-3188.