352.115 Eastern States Petroleum Co./31: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received January 29—11:04 a.m.]
433. Your number B–404, January 28, 7 p.m. Have just talked plainly to Yrujo and prepared a vigorous protest against detention and arrest of captain and requested his prompt release in letter to Sangroniz. Since the Nantucket incident is purely military and Sangroniz’s recommendation if favorable may be ignored, suggest that Bay20 be instructed to tell Queipo de Llano21 that we would take a serious view of the captain’s imprisonment and trial. Have Yrujo’s promise to impress on Sangroniz the necessity of early action.
The latter will take up the matter with Franco’s brother, the military representative connected with the diplomatic cabinet as liaison officer.
Should the captain be detained for trial it will mean that only a show of force will be effective and in that event I suggest that the Raleigh be sent to Palma de Mallorca to investigate.