352.115 Eastern States Petroleum Co./29: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–404. Your 428, January 25, 1 p.m. Telegram from Fisher16 reports captain of Nantucket Chief taken ashore under arrest for trial on unspecified charges. Please communicate with Franco authorities and request prompt action for release of captain.
For your information owners of vessel have suggested to Department that release of vessel might be expedited if assistant naval attaché at Paris were authorized to go to Salamanca to take up matter with Franco authorities. It appears that vice president of company [Page 266] is personally acquainted with assistant naval attaché at Paris. We have made it clear to the owners that we do not favor such a visit.
We shall appreciate an indication of when a reply may be expected from Franco authorities regarding release of ship. In taking up with them matter of captain’s arrest you should emphasize our interest in obtaining the release of this American vessel. The Department will appreciate any suggestions that you may wish to make as to other means of expediting release.
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