852.00/8119: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston)

450. Your 982, June 20, 10 a.m. Following telegram was sent to Wallner June 18:

“In view of possible military developments affecting Valencia in the near future you are reminded that the Department does not desire that its officers remain at their posts in the event that a situation develops endangering their personal safety. You should bear this consideration in mind and be prepared to depart from Valencia without delay if the situation should so require. Please telegraph just as soon as you feel that we should ask the Navy Department to send a destroyer to evacuate you and such Americans as may desire and are able to leave. We assume that you would be able to concentrate such a group at Gandia in advance of an agreed time as we would not desire destroyer to remain in Spanish waters one moment longer than absolutely essential. The Department counts upon you to keep it currently informed of military developments and local conditions in general.”

No reply has as yet been received.

Welles