352.1115/358b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin)
61. Your X–7, July 29, 6 p.m. I think it desirable for you to continue your efforts in cooperation with the rest of the diplomatic corps to obtain safeguards and guarantees with regard to any train or trains used by Americans, who may be evacuated by that means to coastal points. However, since some Americans have safely reached Alicante or Valencia by train and since the railroad has agreed to attach extra coaches to the regular trains, it seems to me that you should formally advise Americans that this means of evacuation is available to them. You should outline to them as many facts as you can obtain with regard to this means of reaching the coast in order that the Americans concerned may be in a position to judge the advisability of endeavoring to get out in this way. You should, of course, make it clear that such decision as they make, whether thus to leave or to stay where they are, must be on their own responsibility. American Governmental agencies will continue to do everything possible on their behalf but cannot guarantee their safety. Even though no guarantees of safety have been obtained from the Spanish authorities, I think that Americans should give most serious consideration to the possibility that even this present means of evacuation may be completely lost to them within a short time.