124.52/135a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–69. We have today sent to Wendelin and Perkins the telegrams quoted hereunder. We shall appreciate receiving as soon as possible your specific recommendations with regard to the matters discussed therein, taking into account the obvious danger to which our people are constantly exposed.
“Amembassy Madrid Your X–329, November 19, 10 p.m. Your report of the deplorable inadequacy of Madrid’s food supply and your suggestion that the Embassy itself may soon be seriously lacking in this respect causes us the greatest concern for you and for the considerable [Page 767] number of Americans in the Embassy for whose welfare we are now responsible. As the military situation is such that any attempt to provide you and the American nationals under your charge with adequate food supplies would seem wholly impracticable, we feel that you should give immediate consideration to the desirability of closing the Embassy and proceeding with your American staff and such American nationals as wish to take advantage of the opportunity to leave Madrid under your escort to whatever port you can most easily reach. Arrangements will be made to evacuate you and your party from this port by one of our naval vessels. Please do not discuss this matter with anyone not on your staff until a final decision is reached.”
“American Consul Barcelona. Our November 20, 1 a.m. The exceedingly dangerous situation in which our citizens and the officers and staff of our Consulate General may find themselves if the port of Barcelona is actually attacked as threatened by the insurgents causes us the greatest concern. We shall therefore appreciate your reporting as promptly as possible whether in the circumstances you believe our office in Barcelona should now be closed and our officers and American staff together with all American nationals willing to leave the city be evacuated.”