852.00/3023: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:45 p.m.]
X–129. First paragraph my telegram No. X–117 of September 1, 7 p.m. The Minister of State, disregarding formalities, called personally upon Chilean Ambassador, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Saturday night. Señor Alvarez del Vayo informed the Ambassador that the Spanish Government did not consider it advisable or necessary to establish a “Jornada” at Alicante at this time and assured him that the protection of foreign missions and foreigners in Madrid was a primary concern of the new Government. He added that measures had been taken to guarantee the food supply of the city. The Minister of State declared the present Government was truly representative of the masses and able to control them. He insisted that energetic measures would be taken to stop lawless activities endangering life and property of civilians in Madrid and that hereafter no arrests would be permitted without due judicial process. The Foreign Minister then expressed the urgent desire of his Government that the Diplomatic Corps remain in Madrid.
[Page 699]Yesterday afternoon all representatives except the Peruvian took same attitude. The Peruvian Minister stated that he had orders from his Government to withdraw to Alicante and therefore could not remain.
The following diplomatic missions have withdrawn from Madrid since the present revolution began: German, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Uruguayan, Colombian, Venezuelan and Peruvian, believed to be leaving today. Of these the German, Italian, Portuguese and Danish missions are at Alicante. Peruvian Minister expects to return to Madrid within 10 days.
While it is yet too early to state definitely what success the new Government may have in suppressing acts of vandalism and murder in Madrid there is no doubt that it is stronger than preceding Government and can count upon the wholehearted support of the Popular Front parties and labor organizations. Whether it can obtain cooperation of Anarchists or failing that, suppress them, remains to be seen. An announcement signed by the Socialists, Communist, Left Republican complied with Syndicalist and Anarchist parties and labor organizations appearing in this morning’s press declares that it is urgent to adopt energetic and efficacious measures to prevent all excesses, and therefore no houses may be searched or political arrests made except by police authorities or the Committee of Investigation representing groups. “Exemplary and immediate punishment” will be meted out to any one caught entering residences or arresting persons without official authority. This action may be the first step by the new Government to establish its authority and make good its promises of adequate protection.