852.2221/1258: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 7—noon.]
1074. In view of reports that the French authorities were placing difficulties in the way of the repatriation of foreign volunteers through France, I called on Del Vayo November 2 and requested to be informed [Page 335] of the situation in this respect as it affected Americans. The next day I supplemented my oral representations by an urgent telegram. In response I received today the visit of Señor Quero Molares, a former Sub-Secretary of State now detailed to the Spanish Commission in the Ministry of Defense for the evacuation of the foreign volunteers, who informed me as follows:
The French Government has in fact refused entry into France of the foreigners included in a group of wounded volunteers who arrived at the frontier a few days ago. It desires to maintain this attitude, and has suggested to the Spanish Government that all foreign volunteers be embarked at Spanish ports on vessels which will transport them direct to their countries of origin. Señor Quero, however, expressed the belief that permission for American volunteers to pass through France can be obtained by our Embassy, and the Counselor of the French Embassy, whom I consulted yesterday, expressed the same opinion. Quero also stated that the British Government will evacuate British and Canadian volunteers by sea, and intimated that the question of transporting American volunteers by the British ship to be employed for that purpose has been discussed with the British Embassy here which is favorably disposed. The British Minister has notified me that he will call tonight or tomorrow morning to confer with me regarding the repatriation of our respective volunteers. I have, of course, made no commitments of any kind and will make none.
Señor Quero states that there are fewer than one thousand American volunteers. He will furnish me as quickly as possible a list of their names. A group of 272 is now quartered at Ripoll awaiting evacuation, and he inquired whether we would be willing to examine their documents and verify their American citizenship (he asserted that all possess their original American passports). I stated that I am confident that the Consulate General will be immediately authorized to do so. He likewise inquired concerning the entry into the United States of Spanish wives acquired by American volunteers. I replied that I would request instructions. He also inquired whether the American volunteers have lost their citizenship. I replied that I assume that they have not unless they have sworn allegiance to another flag and government. He finally inquired whether alien volunteers who came to Spain from the United States can return there with their American comrades. I replied that presumably such cases would be governed by our immigration laws.
It is planned to commence full withdrawal November 9th when the first group of 1500 French volunteers will cross the frontier. On November 10th contingents of Belgian, Dutch and Scandinavians [Page 336] and the remaining French will be sent out. And on November 11th it is desired to send out the British, Canadians, Latin Americans and Americans. Your early instructions will therefore be appreciated, although it is improbable that such a hasty schedule can be carried out.