352.1115/558: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 10—12:10 a.m.]
X–43. My telegrams numbers X–39 and X–40 of August 8, 7 p.m. and August 9, 11 a.m.85 All Americans here have been urged to take advantage of what may be last opportunity to be evacuated on Cruiser Quincy next Tuesday, leaving Madrid night train August 10. Am in touch with Quincy through Valencia and if any number decide to leave tomorrow Quincy will return to Valencia Tuesday morning. Situation here more threatening last 2 days with much firing in neighborhood of Embassy last 2 nights. This development has determined some of the people now here to leave now. Estimate 15 or 20 will leave tomorrow night. Am keeping in close touch with Valencia and may route party to Alicante if conditions there warrant such move.
Military situation in mountain passes north of Madrid little changed during past 2 weeks but failure of Government to gain control of passes and replacement of Minister of War and commander on this front believed highly significant. Reports that strong rebel columns advancing from south and north in Extremadura, if true, constitute very serious threat to Madrid Government. Air raid on Madrid from south expected at any time and precautions taken here against this possibility have evidently alarmed populace.
Germans now evacuating nationals here with all speed by train and special planes. About 200 British and same number Italian nationals still in Madrid.
- Latter telegram not printed.↩