701.0052/12: Telegram

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

X–60. Diplomatic Corps yesterday afternoon discussed joint withdrawal from Madrid. Chilean, German and a few other representatives apparently favor such action but great majority stated they were merely authorized to leave if local conditions in their opinion became critical and there was evident personal danger to foreigners. No concerted action of this kind which would greatly embarrass Spanish Government likely. German Chargé d’Affaires stated he was authorized to participate in joint withdrawal and to withdraw alone if in his judgment conditions so warranted. Attitude of the Chilean and German representatives is that Government powerless to control extremist element here. Believe German Embassy plans early evacuation as reported my telegram No. X–57 of August 14, 6 p.m.94 Political motives obvious.

Wendelin
  1. Not printed.