352.115/22: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13—5:22 a.m.]
X–51. Department’s 69 of August 3, 6 p.m.; my telegram No. X–33 of August 5, 8 p.m. Saw Under Secretary of State this afternoon and pressed for early reply to note presenting Department’s position on protection American property and indemnification if requisitioned. Under Secretary declared Ministry of State awaiting reply from Minister of Industry and Commerce regarding statement attributed to him and would advise me shortly.
Am presenting claim to Ministry of State on behalf of Indian Motorcycle Company of Springfield, Massachusetts for two motorcycles requisitioned apparently by military authorities on July 28, and two claims on behalf of Singer Sewing Machine Company for sewing machines requisitioned in Madrid up to and including August 8 and for three trucks and two passenger automobiles belonging to it also requisitioned.
A number of American controlled firms which operate as Spanish companies for tax purposes have had material requisitioned but have not authorized Embassy to present claims as they fear this may result in assessment of back taxes in excess of value of goods requisitioned.