852.01/354: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Seville (Bay)
18. Your despatch No. 222 of April 15. Department is pleased to note assurances given you that American consular officers in Franco territory will be permitted to continue to function. With regard to the proposal that an exchange of agents be arranged, you should refer to the fact that this Government has taken no step which might be in any way construed as recognition of the Franco regime, and that there is no provision in our practice for the exchange of agents with a regime which has not been recognized. It may be observed in this connection, however, that Señor Juan Francisco de Cardenas, former Spanish Ambassador in Washington, has notified us that he is “acting in the United States as agent for Generalissimo Franco and his authorities”. Under the existing provisions of our laws he has been permitted to remain here in this unofficial capacity.
You are authorized to make arrangements to proceed to Burgos and to convey the above information orally to the appropriate authorities. Transportation expenses and 6 dollars per diem authorized, subject travel regulations, chargeable “Transportation Foreign Service Officers, 1938”.
Report results of your visit by telegraph, also pertinent dates.