852.2221/1064: Telegram
The Consul at Seville (Bay) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:50 p.m.]
48. Referring to the Department’s 41, July 16, 3 p.m., I returned to Seville today. Yesterday I conveyed to Señor Vidal in Burgos substance of telegram under reference. He said that he would take up the matter with the Foreign Minister and would communicate answer to me in a few days. Repatriation of these men he stated emphatically was impossible since they had been captured while fighting against them and as prisoners of war they could not be given their freedom. [Page 316] Exchange of some or all he thought quite possible and the conditions would be communicated to me shortly.
Before leaving, Señor Vidal said that matters of this kind may be taken up with him by letter if so desired.