852.2221/777: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—10:15 a.m.]
472. Your telegram to Thurston42 in reply to my telegram No. 469, March 30, 1 p.m. Hemingway, John Whitaker and Mowrer, the correspondents planning these evacuations, acting through me. They have raised the money for a hospital in France for such of the wounded as cannot at once be repatriated. They are positive can raise money for repatriation purposes.
Second, as to our involvement: There is no question of removing even the wounded unless there is a collapse of the Government so we would not be involved with the Government. I warned in my telegram that all this should be very confidential in the meantime lest premature publicity give Government legitimate cause for complaint.
Nor will we be involved with rebels unless they object to saving Americans wishing to leave from the fate of the wounded at Toledo.
Whitaker talking for Hemingway from Paris this morning stresses secrecy at this juncture since conditions have “incredibly improved”. Delighted with suggestion about the Oregon and plan to have boats at Spanish ports in case of collapse. These correspondents and Hemingway will take on themselves the task of assembling these people at the ports. Would appreciate being kept informed since these plans being perfected over here and I am in communication with them by phone.