852.00/3615: Telegram
The Consul General at Barcelona (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—12:30 p.m.]
Raleigh for Admiral Fairfield and the Secretary of State, Washington. Portuguese Consul has recently seen fit to leave Barcelona. Vice Consul Salvador has received threats against his person as the result of attempted protection of personal property of Salvador national. Vice Consul Chile recently arrested and detained by unauthorized personnel. With regard to last incident British Consul General as dean of the Consular Corps but acting on his own responsibility addressed protest to the President of the Council (Premier of Catalonia).
In view of the existence of situation in which such incidents are likely to continue to occur it is becoming increasingly evident that the Consulate General in its efforts to protect American property interests must not permit itself to be drawn into informal negotiations or triangular discussions between opposed interests with a view to the adjustment of difficulties but must rigorously limit itself to definite official protests. Otherwise it will be difficult for it to function with reasonable safety to members of the staff; for efforts to protect property against illegal seizures may be regarded by labor groups as an attempt to thwart both the social program and the military cause and earn for the person involved the epithet of “Fascist”.
Copy mailed to Ambassador and Madrid.