352.1115/2359: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 24—6:30 p.m.]
X–347. Minister of State from Valencia has promised to send me two buses and one truck tomorrow to evacuate some 50 people and their baggage. Vehicles should arrive by tomorrow evening and I now plan to leave very early Thursday morning to avoid danger of possible aerial attack on highway near Madrid. Señor Alvarez del Vayo at the same time assures me that every facility will be given to our people in embarkation at Valencia. He has promised to instruct Military Governor of Madrid to give orders that present Embassy and Consulate guards shall not be changed or removed. He will also instruct Military Governor to issue inclusive safe conduct for all persons to be evacuated thus avoiding necessity of obtaining individual permits.
I informed Minister of State in accordance with Department’s instructions that my Government being greatly concerned over safety of American nationals has instructed me to proceed to Valencia with those willing to leave Madrid and to remain there after they have been placed aboard an American naval vessel; that the senior Spanish clerk will be appointed custodian of the Embassy premises but without any representative character; and that in directing me to proceed to Valencia my Government is actuated solely by concern for the safety of its nationals and is not influenced in any way, whatsoever, by political considerations.
I have an appointment to see General Miaja, Military Governor of Madrid, tonight when I shall endeavor to make all official arrangements to expedite departure and assure safety of Embassy, Consulate and American lives and property in Madrid.