852.2221/1260: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston)
469. Your 1074 and 1075 regarding repatriation of American volunteers. It is assumed you have received copy of telegram from Embassy at Paris dated November 7, 6 p.m. on same subject.8
Two consular officers, accompanied by clerk if necessary, are authorized to proceed to Ripoll to examine passports in possession of alleged Americans quartered there. Transportation and per diem chargeable regular contingent allotment. Passports should in each case be examined in presence of the bearer. If passport appears in [Page 337] order it should be stamped or marked “Valid only for direct return to the United States”.
For those claiming American citizenship but having no documents, officer may take registration applications and cable pertinent data, including in each case names of two references in the United States able to substantiate citizenship and identity.
You are authorized to furnish list of persons whose American passports appear to be in order to Spanish authorities and to French Consul General at Barcelona, with a statement to that effect. List should include reference to number and date of passport and any other data of assistance to authorities in identifying persons in question. Copies of list and accompanying data should be transmitted by telegraph to Embassy at Paris and to the Department as soon as prepared.
It is suggested that you impress upon the appropriate authorities that the identification of American citizens for purposes of evacuation will be greatly facilitated if they are in possession of their original passports.
With reference to financial arrangements for repatriation of these American volunteers mentioned in telegram from Embassy at Paris, it is our understanding that Amariglio is the representative of the Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, a private American organization, and is authorized to make all arrangements in this connection. You should make clear to the appropriate authorities that, while this Government is making every effort to facilitate the return of these American citizens to the United States it cannot undertake any financial responsibility for the cost of their repatriation.
Once citizenship of the American volunteer is established, he may execute petition on form 633, requesting non-quota status for his Spanish wife, provided evidence of marriage is presented and he furnishes names of two American citizens in the United States who are prepared to vouch for him. Because of the urgency the names of American husband, alien wife and supporting witnesses in the United States may be cabled to the Department. The Secretary of Labor will then be requested in a personal interview to approve petitions immediately in order that the approval may be cabled to you within 48 hours. It should be emphasized that this emergency procedure will not be acceptable to Department of Labor on behalf of alleged American husbands who are not holders of valid American passports.
Your statement to Spanish representative regarding possible return of alien volunteers to the United States is correct.
Embassy at Paris is being informed of the foregoing. If you have not already done so please furnish it with copy of your telegrams under reference.
- Not printed.↩