852.751/1: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
X–151. In several telephone conversations with the Consulate General at Barcelona recently I have been told by control officer at exchange in Barcelona that on orders Catalan authorities all telephone conversations must be carried on in Spanish or French disregarding right of diplomatic and consular officers to communicate with each other and their governments in any language desired. I brought this matter orally to the attention of the Ministry of State last week, and after further incident this morning I called upon the Under Secretary of State who immediately dictated telegraphic orders to the Minister of Communications that foreign diplomatic and consular officers must be permitted to use any language desired over the telephone. This order is being communicated to appropriate Catalan authorities. Under Secretary also spoke personally to Minister of Communications on this subject. Inasmuch, however, as Catalan authorities appear to be acting with ever increasing disregard of Madrid Government, I have asked Consulate General at Barcelona to bring matter strongly to the attention Catalan Government.41
- Department’s telegram No. 132, September 18, 7 p.m., to the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain stated: “Your action approved.”↩