352.1121 Fernandez, Antonio/190
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
Sir: Reference is had to your despatch no. 1575 of September 5, 1938,99 enclosing a copy of the letter which you have received under date of August 27, 1938, from the Sub-Minister of Foreign Affairs at Burgos, in reply to your letter of August 6 inquiring as to the possibility of granting a pardon to Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Fernandez Villa, American nationals, imprisoned at Palma de Mallorca. In the event that no further word is received from the authorities at Burgos within a reasonable time no objection is perceived to your addressing a further informal communication to the appropriate authorities of General Franco with a view to expediting action in this case.
For your confidential information you are advised that the Department has been informed by Professor Villa Fernandez, the brother of Antonio Fernandez, that he has been notified through the Spanish Embassy at Washington that the names of his brother and sister-in-law have been included by the Barcelona authorities in a list of prisoners to be submitted to General Franco for exchange. Professor Villa Fernandez states that the Spanish authorities are aware of the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Fernandez are citizens of the United [Page 328] States, and adds that it is merely due to his friendship with the Spanish Ambassador that he has been able to obtain this special favor. He also states that he has received assurances that efforts are being made by the International Red Cross to bring about the release of his brother and sister-in-law.
Professor Villa Fernandez has been kept informed in confidence of the steps which you have been taking in the effort to obtain the release of Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Fernandez Villa by the Franco authorities.
Very truly yours,