124.52/136: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 21—11 a.m.]
164. Your telegram No. B–69, November 20, 4 p.m. I think our officials in Madrid if convinced of peril and confronted with early exhaustion of food supplies should use their own judgment. Have understood sufficient food in the Embassy for a month and battle for Madrid should be over within that time. Our withdrawal, thus losing contact with authorities particularly at this time following immediately actions of Germany and Italy, may be misinterpreted to our serious disadvantage. If our Consulate at Barcelona is closed at the same time this bad impression will be accentuated. We may be sure that the rebel radios will make the most of our action with their own interpretations and the effect on such American interests as the Telephone Company may be very bad. So long as the British, French, Belgian and other Embassies remain in Madrid I should regret our departure. If all these can evacuate simultaneously on the ground of peril due to the battle it would be different. More serious it seems to me is your plan to evacuate the Embassy not only from Madrid but from Spain. I must acquiesce in whatever decision you may make but I do feel strongly that the closing of the Embassy and the withdrawal of the Consulate in Barcelona in the immediate wake of the action of Germany and Italy can have most disagreeable repercussions.