124.523/352: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9 p.m.]
X–546. I have just been informed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of State, with reference to several [notes?] from this Embassy requesting the exemption from military service of the Spanish employees of our official establishments in Madrid, that he fears that exemption will not be accorded.
Ugarte’s class has just been called for service and I pointed out how seriously inconvenienced we would be should we be deprived of the custodian of our Embassy. I was assured that the matter would again be presented to the military authorities, but I received the impression that an adverse decision is believed to be certain.
I have instructed Ugarte to remain within the Embassy pending the decision in his case. The Embassy’s notes furnishing his name as well as those of the other employees affected should constitute evidence to protect him against possible charges of attempting to evade the call to service. I shall appreciate immediate instructions on this point, however. Repeated to Ambassador Bowers.