352.115 General Motors Corp./11: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
X–134. In reply to my note transmitting documents received from Consul at Barcelona regarding taking over of the General Motors assembly plant, warehouses, cars and trucks, I have received the following reply from the Foreign Office quoting Minister of Industry and Commerce:
“In reply to the note of the American Embassy regarding taking over (incautacion) of plant, warehouses and automobiles of General Motors Peninsular S. A. of Barcelona, I have to inform you that this committee has not made any attachment on this company bearing in mind specifically its foreign character.”
In my note to Foreign Office I stated that the majority interests in this company were American, called particular attention to the seizure of assembled units and material in the free port of Barcelona in the custody of the customs and Spanish Government, and requesting that immediate steps be taken for the full restitution or indemnification of this property referring to the Minister of States declaration quoted in my telegram No. X–82, August 23, noon.
Copies of this telegram have been sent to Ambassador Bowers and Consul General at Barcelona.