852.2221/1228: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–462. With reference to our B–445, July 16, 3 p.m.,1 after some exchanges between Bay and Burgos authorities, Bay reported on October 5 that authorities took position it was wholly impossible to consider the release of American prisoners. Friends of Abraham Lincoln Brigade now desire, however, to have new approach made to Franco authorities in the light of Spanish Government’s declared withdrawal of foreign combatants from its forces. It appears to us that new circumstances in situation coupled with the fact that Burgos authorities recently released 14 Americans would fully warrant our taking up a new question of release of all American prisoners. Although you will recall that it was suggested to Bay in the course of one of his visits to Burgos that questions concerning prisoners be taken up by him with the authorities concerned, in view of your 503, July 18, 1 p.m., I would like your opinion as to the channel of approach which should be used in taking up this question anew with the Franco authorities. If you consider that it would be preferable for you to take this matter up, it would be understood, of course, that any conversations you carried on for this purpose would not necessitate your going into Franco territory or sending any representative for that purpose, as it is impossible for us to have any situation arise which might be construed as granting recognition or even partial recognition.
- Not printed.↩