852.2221/997: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:56 p.m.]
1058. Your 433, July 1, 8 p.m. We have discussed informally with an official of Foreign Office the question of the return of further American volunteers from Spain. Foreign Office advised of Amariglio’s presence in Barcelona. Official consulted believed it possible to authorize immediate passage through France of most urgent cases of American volunteers now awaiting repatriation on the guarantee of payment of expenses by Amariglio and his organization. It was made clear to Foreign Office that our Government officially cannot assume this responsibility. Official said that similar guarantees were being exacted from other governments relating to their nationals and if an exception were made in favor of Americans there would undoubtedly be protests from other countries. Foreign Office is studying matter carefully and will instruct French Embassy at Barcelona. Official added that France had been put to exceedingly heavy expense as an incidence of the exodus from Spain of volunteers of all nationalities and was obliged to protect itself. Even in the case of returning French volunteers he said it was required that the volunteer or the organization which sponsored him foot the bill for his return to his home.