852.2221/1260: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:15 p.m.]
1075. My 1074, November 6, 5 p.m. The British Minister informed me last night that no decision has yet been reached regarding the transport by sea of British volunteers although he is recommending that course to the Foreign Office. With respect to the American volunteers, he apparently felt that we might wish to join in a general plan whereunder we presumably would repatriate at that time the Americans, Canadians and Latin Americans to be taken out November 11 if possible. I informed him that I assume we will prefer land evacuation in order that responsible private organizations in France may effect repatriation and that I also assume we will not send a naval vessel into Spanish waters for such repatriation work.
As to French policy Mr. Stevenson stated that permission has now been given for the passage through France of the November 10 contingent consisting of 235 Scandinavian volunteers.