352.1115/254: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 31—12:15 a.m.]
X–13. My telegram No. X–7, July 29, 6 p.m. Ministry of State this morning informed Chilean Ambassador representing Diplomatic Corps that Government would authorize extra coaches on regular trains for Valencia or Alicante on condition passports of persons leaving thereon be submitted to it for special visa by War Department, This requirement would delay departure foreign residents for 48 hours. Ministry of State on insistence of Chilean Ambassador agreed to furnish two guards per coach. At the same time Ministry insisted that train service with Valencia and Alicante is functioning normally and “there is nothing to prevent people leaving in a normal way”.
In view of recurring delay in early official evacuation foreign residents, Embassy is not opposing departure of Americans on regular trains. All trains to Valencia and Alicante since resumption of service last Monday have gone through on schedule without untoward incident.
We are investigating possibility of reserving coach on regular Valencia train tonight or tomorrow morning for Americans in Madrid who wish to leave. Our considered opinion is that any delay in evacuation means risk of obstruction railroad line by rebels. British taking similar action. Swiss Legation sent group by road to Valencia yesterday, arriving safely. We are also considering this means of evacuation.