852.00/3214: Telegram
The Consul General at Barcelona (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—10:50 a.m.]
Consul General’s August 24, 7 p.m.47 The situation as affecting the safety of American citizens in Barcelona does not seem to me to have changed from that described in the first paragraph of Franklin’s August 23, 7 p.m. Those of my colleagues whom I have met express only the most pessimistic views generally and fear that, with the authority now exercised by the numerous extra legal radical organizations, it will be merely a question of time until it will be impossible to extend any effective protection to the property interests of their respective nationals. The following Consuls with their families left yesterday: Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. The officers themselves will probably return.
The military situation has not gone well recently for the Government and some people are beginning to question whether the “revolution”, with the extremely doubtful social upheaval which has taken place here will in the end improve their lot. Meat, potatoes and sugar are becoming difficult to obtain. There is some rise in prices although an effort is being made to control speculation. Should Madrid fall an adverse reaction is expected here with the likelihood that radical groups will become even more disorderly and unrestrained in their “confiscation” of private property and in their executions. The actual authority of Madrid over Catalonia at this moment is next to nothing and the actual authority of the local “government” in Barcelona over the various radical organizations is in the same category.
Although there appears to be no definite anti-foreign feeling as it appears the failure of military successes is being attributed to foreign aid given to the opposing faction. Inspection of passports is becoming closer and even the permission of the “anti-Fascist militia” in addition to that of the “Government” is being insisted upon before foreigners are permitted to depart.
Now that so many of our citizens have left, the Consulate General is becoming more largely occupied with the protection of property rights, looking after nationals of other countries under our protection, [Page 724] and keeping contact with Americans remaining for reasons beyond their control. Pressure of work has not decreased. At the present it is believed this office is fulfilling a useful function in these respects but if I am to accept the views of my colleagues it is questionable how long that function may continue.
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