852.1115/550: Telegram

The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State

X–39. My telegrams numbers X–28 and X–3184 of August 4, 10 a.m., and August 5, noon. Twelve American nationals left by train [Page 664] for Valencia last night arriving safely and taken aboard British cruizer this morning. Dollar exchange was obtained for most of these people by arrangement reported in my telegram No. X–31. One American citizen and one Filipino national without financial means were advanced 75 pesetas each including cost railroad fare to Valencia. Family of Consul Johnson and several other Americans leaving by plane for Marseille next Monday.

There are now 80 American nationals in the Embassy of whom 14 from Puerto Rico and 11 from Philippines, and 131 in Madrid outside of the Embassy, of whom approximately 30 from Puerto Rico and 20 from Philippines. Americans remaining in Madrid nearly all permanent residents and are not inclined to leave unless local situation becomes more serious. I have warned them that at a later date means of evacuation may not be available to them and have urged them to leave immediately. Those who remain know that they are doing so on their own responsibility.

Wendelin
  1. No. X–31 not printed.