352.1121 Blodgett, Walton/2: Telegram
The Consul General at Barcelona (Dawson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received June 16—1:30 p.m.]
Your cable June 15, 5 [6] p.m.32 Americans named and three others including wife of one of them imprisoned since June 4th charged with assaulting civil guards and wounding one which Spanish law takes most seriously. Drink apparently at root of incident: accused admit some drinking but claim self-defense against attack by civil guards.
The case being under military jurisdiction and trial Consulate General’s efforts to obtain prompt and lenient settlement unsuccessful and Embassy fully informed that its intervention is unavoidable. Prisoners’ counsel similarly informed the Embassy after unsuccessful effort to secure liberty under bond.
Unless Embassy can obtain prompt action case likely to follow same trend as that reported in Malaga Consulate’s despatch No. 91 of July 25, [Page 707] 1932.33 Other accused are … the latter said to be held more as material witness than as accused. No present indications need of funds.