124.52/142a: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to President Roosevelt3
In view of the dangerous military situation I have today instructed our Chargé d’Affaires in Madrid, Eric C. Wendelin, to evacuate to Valencia where they will be picked up by one of our naval vessels, all American nationals willing to take the opportunity to leave Spain under the escort of our Embassy staff. After having completed the embarkation of our nationals Wendelin will remain at Valencia with his staff for the time being. He has been directed to make it clear to the Spanish authorities that in making this decision we have been actuated wholly by concern for the safety of our nationals and have not been influenced in any way whatsoever by political considerations. We shall similarly make it clear to the American press that in directing Wendelin to leave Madrid the safety of our nationals and staff there has been our sole concern.
- Sent also to the Secretary of State, to the Embassies in Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, to the Legation in Portugal (for its own information and for the Vigo Consulate), and to the Consuls at Seville and Barcelona.↩