811.91252/33: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–55. Your 145, October 28, 1 p.m.75 This morning’s papers carry long article under Salamanca dateline from Minifie in which he states that Gorrell, Weaver, and he76 are “Guests of the rebel command” pending their departure for the border. As Minifie and his companions appear to be neither under arrest nor in danger and we have received no requests for further assistance it is not believed that any action is required at this time.
With regard to your suggestion that Johnson77 be sent to the insurgent civil headquarters at Burgos or their military headquarters at Salamanca, we consider it preferable that such informal contact with the insurgent authorities as circumstances may render necessary from time to time shall continue for the present to be made through the appropriate local authorities in those cities where we already have our established representatives. Our object in following this procedure is to avoid any incident which might be seized upon either by the insurgents or by persons in this country as indicating that we had established formal relations with General Franco.