352.115/109: Telegram
The Consul General at Barcelona (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:45 p.m.]
Central Labor organizations are commandeering all cotton in Cataluna, and classification of bales by grades without respect to ownership has already begun in the warehouses. Value of American-owned cotton in Barcelona and Tarragona estimated at more than. $1,000,000. Am interviewing Councilor of Economy of the Catalan Government tonight to see if seizure emanates from, or is recognized or sanctioned by, the Government. If in the negative, I shall demand that immediate measures be taken to restore cotton to status quo and with guarantees of full protection against further unlawful acts of any kind; if in the affirmative, that provision be made for prompt and full compensation to the American owners. Embassy at Madrid informed.