852.2221/1240: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–463. Your 547, October 25, 1 p.m. You are authorized to take up informally with Franco authorities question of release of all remaining American prisoners for return to the United States. If released, arrangements for repatriation would be taken care of by Friends of Abraham Lincoln Brigade, as in case of 14 men recently released, in accordance with assurances contained in their letter of July 13, copy of which was sent as enclosure to Department’s instruction of July 19, 1938.4 Pending outcome of your conversations please keep this matter confidential in order to avoid possible premature publicity in the press which might handicap result.
Instruction has been sent Consul at Seville enclosing copy of your 542 of October 10, 1 p.m.4 and he is being authorized to proceed to Burgos to investigate and report upon conditions at San Pedro de Cardenas and ascertain whereabouts and status of Blair and others mentioned in your telegram. At the same time he will endeavor to obtain final, complete list of all American prisoners, including any held in prisons or hospitals elsewhere than at San Pedro. He is being informed that question of release of American prisoners is being taken up by you with Franco authorities, and is instructed to forward to you copy of his report and list of prisoners when obtained.
We are not clear as to the meaning of statement in your telegram under reference that you are now acting as intermediary in exchange of prisoners on the request of Burgos. Have there been any further [Page 331] developments in the exchange question since release of the 14 Americans? We shall appreciate being kept closely informed of progress of any conversations you may have on this subject.