Office of the Historian

852.00/2209: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Straus)

Washington, July 23, 1936—1 p.m.

240. Your 630, July 23, 10 a.m. The Department has arranged with the Export Line to have the S. S. Exeter call at Barcelona about 9 o’clock July 24. A telegram has been sent direct to the Consul at Barcelona informing him of this fact and requesting him to inform all Americans within his reach that this means of leaving Spain will be available at that time. It is understood that passengers taken on will be returned to Marseilles. Since we cannot be sure that our direct telegram will be received, please endeavor to reach Barcelona with this information by telephone.

If you are able to contact San Sebastián please inform Ambassador Bowers that the U. S. S. Oklahoma will arrive at Bilbao about daylight July 25, where it will be available for the evacuation of Americans.

Please also repeat the above to the Embassy at Madrid.

Hull