Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, General, Volume I

352.115 Eastern States Petroleum Co./11: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France

Washington, January 22, 1938—3 p.m.

B–400. Your 426, January 20, 1 p.m.¹⁵ Consul, Marseille, reports Nantucket Chief seized by Franco naval vessels.

Vessel is of American registry and owned by American corporation, the Nantucket Chief Steamship Company, and at time of seizure was flying American flag and manned by American crew.

Please take up matter informally with Franco regime and endeavor have vessel released; also endeavor ascertain status and welfare of captain and crew.

Confidential: At the time of seizure vessel was under charter to the Spanish Petroleum Monopoly.

Hull

15. Not printed.