124.523/354: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7 p.m.]
X–545. My X–510, February 18, 5 p.m. Among the Spanish employees of absent members of the American colony living in the Embassy are three men of military age. Ugarte has sent to me for signature and seal certificates of employment for them on the grounds that they have been and are serving as Embassy chauffeurs, first in connection with evacuation work and presently with the collection of food. The propriety of harboring these persons after their employers have left the Embassy and Spain might be open to question, and in view of the implication of asylum that may be involved I have not signed a certificate.
[Page 494]If, nevertheless, it is considered that the certificates should be granted in view of the services described perhaps the situation should be regularized by placing the men on the Embassy payroll with dollar a month wages. Respectfully request instructions.
Repeated to Ambassador Bowers.